Blood service is running dry

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has less than two days blood supply and is urgently calling upon all blood donors to donate blood.

April 5, 2017

1 minute read

A shortage in blood hinders SANBS’s ability to save hundreds of lives daily because treatment for various patients cannot occur.

“Blood stocks are usually low during this period due to the many public holidays and long weekends,” the blood service said in a press release on April 5.

“Regular blood drives at schools and universities cannot take place which has huge implications for patients in hospital.”

The SANBS said it has 1.6 days of blood available as it heads into the Easter holiday period.

“It will be challenging to meet the demand for blood by patients,” the SANBS said.

“As a result of the dangerously low blood stocks, SANBS is appealing to members of the public who have missed their donation in recent months and those due for their regular donation, to visit their nearest donor centre as soon as they can because many lives will be affected by this.”

Minimum requirements to become a blood donor are:

• Be between the age of 16 and 65 years
• Weigh more than 50kg
• Be in good health
• Live a sexually safe lifestyle.

You can visited the Northmead Blood Donor Centre at 42 14th Avenue, Northmead.