National blood stock critical
"The situation is simply critical, we need South Africans, active donors, lapsed donors and potential donors to stand together right now to bolster the national blood stock," said Mlambo.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is making an earnest appeal for South Africans to step forward and make a donation of blood, today.
Whether it’s a woman giving birth, a cancer patient, a man undergoing open heart surgery or an Easter weekend road accident victim, they all rely on blood and with the blood stock that’s currently desperately low, they’re all at risk.
In a statement released by the SANBS last week, Silungile Mlambo, national marketing manager, said the national blood supply of group-O stock was at 1.6 days, amounting to 1500 units of O-blood available around the country.
“The situation is simply critical, we need South Africans, active donors, lapsed donors and potential donors to stand together right now to bolster the national blood stock,” said Mlambo.
Although there are eight blood types, group-O is particularly important for the national blood stock, because it can be given to patients of the other A, B and O-groups.
Group-O blood is also paramount for new-born babies in need of blood, as in some cases difficulties may occur in determining the blood groups of these infants and is therefore important in supplying this ongoing need.
SANBS appeals to all South Africans to become regular donors.
By donating blood only four times a year, situations such as the current low stock level can be avoided.
To find out more about donating blood and to locate your nearest SANBS donor centre, visit sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31.
The Ermelo donor centre is situated in the Juanricvor Building in Church Street and can be contacted on 017 811 2631.
