The union representing Canadian Blood Services workers has clarified that the current shortage in the blood supply is the direct result of job cuts and changes in the service's blood collection system.

"They are cutting jobs and shortening hours," Allen said Monday. "These cuts are having a negative impact on how our members are doing their jobs. We don't want to slam our employer, but they are doing too much, too fast and it's not working."

The shortage of blood has is in turn causing some hospitals to cut back on elective surgeries and other procedures. Canadians are considered to be generous blood donors. But the increasing demands from hospitals and decreasing collection staff is causing nightmares to those who have to undergo surgeries or procedures requiring blood transfusion.

Remedial measures like Mobile clinics and service calls on all eligible Canadians to make an appointment to give blood, have been initiated to replenish the diminishing stock of blood in blood banks.