Blood shortages due to cold weather
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has been hard at work ensuring that a blood shortage is avoided.
However, with all efforts in place, it seems the cold weather is keeping donors away.
Traditionally, the winter months are a difficult time due to schools and universities being on holiday as well as increase with illnesses such as the flu virus has had a great impact on blood collection. This places the SANBS under immense pressure to collect safe and good quality blood products.
“The SANBS needs to maintain a blood stock level of five days at all times, by collecting 3 000 units of blood per day to meet the demand of the thousands of patients who are reliant on blood transfusions for their survival,” said Vanessa Raju, communications manager of the SANBS.
“However, at the moment we have far less stock available on a national level.
“It is with only the help of the selfless blood donors that we will be able to ensure that patients who are reliant on blood transfusions will be to receive it.
“The SANBS is appealing to people, particularly to our regular donors to not miss out on their next donation date and to other members of the public who meet the minimum requirements to become a blood donor, to help boost supplies by committing to donating blood.”
Minimum blood donor requirements:
* Aged between 16 and 65 years.
* Weigh 50kg or more.
* Be in good health.
* Lead a sexually safe lifestyle.
The SANBS is a non-profit organisation and urges people who meet the minimum requirements to give the gift of life by becoming regular donors.
Contact 0800 11 90 31 to find the nearest fixed donor site.
