Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott, has called for a cultural shift around blood donation - "we cannot afford to be complacent on something that is literally a matter of life and death".

Speaking at the start of Blood Donor Week, the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, who has donated blood for some 25 years, said: "It is unbelievable that just 7% of those eligible to donate blood actually do so on a regular basis. This is not a matter of sitting back and hoping that others pick up the slack - blood donation must become a community expectation, rather than an exceptional act.

"While Blood Donor Week is a terrific way to highlight this pressing need, it is important that donation is not a one-off gesture.

"We need to dramatically increase regular donor numbers - none of us know when we might owe our lives to their contribution.

"It is an unfortunate truth that members of our own families, during surgical procedures and as part of cancer treatment - as well as premature babies - may need to draw on blood donations. This is an issue that has touched or will touch the vast majority of the population, yet most people in Northern Ireland - while they would gratefully receive - simply don’t give.

"As it stands, the margin between what is available and what is needed is worryingly slim - we’re talking somewhere in the region of 500 people in Northern Ireland needing blood each week, with 300 people a day needed to donate to meet that need.

"The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service operates three mobile units at around 300 locations throughout the province, so there should be no problem finding a convenient time or location. Visit the Ulster Unionist Party website - www.uup.org - and click on the link for blood donation to find out where and when your nearest donation sessions are being held. Otherwise, for more information, telephone 0500 534 666 or log on to www.nibts.org."