Winter weather causes blood shortage at Leipzig University Hospital - Leipzig Hospitals Face Critical Blood Shortage Amid Winter Chaos
Leipzig University Hospital (UKL) has issued an urgent call for blood donations as supplies reach critically low levels. Persistent winter weather has disrupted donation drives and deterred donors, leaving hospitals struggling to meet demand.
Blood stocks have fallen sharply in recent weeks, with O-positive blood in particularly short supply. Normally, German blood services share reserves during shortages, but this time, widespread low supplies have made cooperation impossible. UKL now depends entirely on its own resources to address the crisis.
In response, the DRK-Blutspendedienst Nord-Ost has launched intensified winter donation campaigns at its Blutspendezentrum Leipzig (Prager Str. 13). Between 5 January and 27 February 2026, special drives with prize draws aim to boost participation. Local groups like DRK Delitzsch are also organising events, including the ‘Blut spenden. Mit Herz!’ initiative with Blutbank Leipzig at the Jugendhaus YOZ, to help ease shortages at UKL and other clinics. Harsh winter conditions have worsened the situation, causing cancellations and reducing donor turnout. Clinics across the region now face bottlenecks, making every donation critical.
The shortage has forced UKL to rely on local efforts to stabilise supplies. Donation centers and community drives are working to fill the gap before stocks drop further. Without increased donations, hospitals may struggle to maintain essential medical care in the coming weeks.
