New blood service donation centre opens in Fourways

Debra Forster, head of donor marketing for the area, explained that the donor database for the Fourways area was so large that there was a definite need for a new donor centre where regular donors could donate blood.

Forster said, “Of course we are happy for any blood donation but regular donors are particularly valuable.”

She explained that donated blood is separated into three different parts, red blood cells, platelets and plasma. Due to safety reasons plasma and platelets can only be used in transfusions to patients if it is taken from a regular donor.

Forster said, “Many people don’t know that two products of your blood can’t be used if you are not a regular donor.”

She further explained that the aim of the new donor centre, located near Fourways Crossing on Forest Drive, was to make the donation process more comfortable for donors and potential donors.

The centre has lazy-boy chairs for donors to lie on during the process as well as a cappuccino machine and will soon have TVs too.

Forster said, “We want people to have a good experience that isn’t stressful. When they visit the centre they can have a cup of coffee and be in a relaxed environment. We are situated close to offices and shopping centres and people can even donate during their lunch breaks.”

The process of blood donation only takes 30 minutes and is completely sterile.

Forster explained that the blood service’s campaign for this year is ‘Don’t let life get in the way of life’.

She said, “We are trying to tell people that although life is busy and it’s difficult to find time to donate regularly, you need to remember that your donations will potentially save many lives.”

She added, “If all the donors on our databases donated regularly we would never run into shortages.”