Pinecrest donor centre closes
The donor centre at Pinecrest Centre closed on November 16, and SANBS has apologised for the inconvenience but assured the public that they are looking at securing new premises to continue their work.
AFTER 20 years of operating from the Pinecrest Centre, the blood donor centre shut its doors on Saturday (November 14).
Anele Ngcobo, donor relations practitioner, said the centre will be closed permanently due to the decline of donors.
“It is a bittersweet moment as this is one of the oldest centres – it is the second one that was opened in the province – but we are looking forward to opening another clinic in another location, and hopefully, we will have more people committing to donating blood.”
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She assured the donors that the South African National Blood Service is working to secure a new permanent location for the staff to continue providing the service.
Ngcobo pleaded with donors to continue supporting them as a single ‘whole blood’ donation may help as many as three patients.
“Each unit of blood can be separated into its various components: red cells, plasma and platelets, and is given to patients with various needs.
“In order to donate blood, a donor has to be between the ages of 16 to 65, weigh more than 50kg, have a light meal before donating and lead a sexually safe and healthy lifestyle, and are willing to commit to saving lives.”
She advised Pinecrest donors to make use of the nearest blood centres which are situated at Westwood Mall and Hillcrest Colony Centre. Alternatively, people can make use of the blood drives that are held in schools and companies.
SANBS in Westwood is open on weekdays from 08:00 to 17:00 and on Saturdays from 07:00 to 15:00, and on Sundays and public holidays, the clinic is open from 09:00 to 15:00.
The Hillcrest clinic is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday, and 08:30 to 13:30 on Saturday.
Contact 080 0119 031 for any queries.
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