Donor centre relocates to Parkmeadows with new and improved facilities

The South African National Blood Bank recently opened the doors to its state-of-the-art donor centre located at Parkmeadows Shopping Centre.

Having relocated from Bruma, the updated donor centre boasts bigger and better facilities, offering 10 instead of six beds. Newer and improved technology is also offered.

Debbie Forster, head of donor relations, explained that with the relocation, the centre had also gone digital.

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The updated technology will allow staff at the centre to swiftly assess donors’ iron levels, pulse, blood pressure, and other vital indicators. This will help streamline the screening process. In addition, the new centre is equipped with platelet and plasma machinery.

Forster explained that while whole blood is important, she highlighted that donating plasma was essential.

Community members

While at the centre’s opening, long-standing donor 77-year-old Dawie van Vuuren was there to make his 408th donation.

“I started donating blood when I was 18.”

Van Vuuren explained that he was motivated by somebody close to him who was also a blood donor.

“For me, it’s all about giving back and having the ability to save someone else’s life.”

Van Vuuren encouraged community members to donate blood, palettes and plasma to the SANBS.

“The SANBS needs a lot of blood, and your blood gets tested at the same time,” said Van Vuuren.

Also at the centre was Lenny Naidoo, who was making his 326th donation.

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Naidoo, who donates plasma and palettes every fortnight, explained that he started donating blood to the SANBS when the blood services visited his school.

“I have always believed in giving back without expecting anything in return. Over the years, I have introduced about six people to the SANBS.”