Blood stock dangerously low, donors needed
SANBS is calling for donors to step forward urgently as only half a day’s stock is available.
BLOOD supply in KwaZulu-Natal is about to run out, with only half a day’s stock available right now.
“The blood stock in KZN is dangerously low. We don’t have blood that can last for the rest of the day- today. We are currently at 0.9, which is 177 Units of blood and we need all blood groups to boost the stock,” said Sifiso Khoza, regional marketing manager for the South African National Blood Service (SANBS).
O-type blood donors, we need your help – we're experiencing a national shortage of O-type blood, with only one day's supply left. To help us, please visit your nearest blood donor centre today: https://t.co/ZnyKYruiYK. #Gazlam pic.twitter.com/Uvs2uFp76c
— The SANBS (@theSANBS) May 4, 2018
“A healthy blood stock in the province is 500 units of blood a day but now we are down to 177 units right now, which means we do not have enough blood to last even for today.
“And as much as we need all blood types, blood group O is in demand as it is universal and can be transferable to all patients in need. The situation is critical. We are appealing to residents of KwaZulu-Natal active donors, potential donors and lapsed donors to help to bolster the regional blood stock,” said Khoza.
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He added that there are many people in life-threatening situations who require blood, right now.
“It’s the cancer patients who need regular blood supply, it’s the mother giving birth, it’s those who have been in accidents and it’s anyone suffering complications during major surgery.
“If you are able to donate blood, please do so as soon as you can, it is not just about donating blood, it’s about saving people’s lives,” explained Khoza.
To find out more about donating blood and to locate your nearest SANBS donor centre in KwaZulu-Natal, visit sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31.
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