Urgent appeal to blood donors as stock reaches dangerous low level
Blood stocks are usually low during this period due to the many public holidays and long weekends
THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has less than two days of blood supply and is urgently calling upon all blood donors to donate blood.
A shortage in blood hinders SANBS’s ability to save hundreds of lives daily because treatment for various patients cannot occur.
Blood stocks are usually low during this period due to the many public holidays and long weekends. Regular blood drives at schools and universities cannot take place which has a huge implication on patients in hospital.
SANBS currently only has 1.8 days of blood available and as we head further into the Easter holiday period, it will be challenging to meet the demand for blood by patients. As a result of the dangerously low blood stocks, SANBS is appealing to members of the public who have missed their donation in recent months and those due for their regular donation, to visit their nearest donor centre as soon as they can because many lives will be affected by this.
SANBS aims to maintain a stock level of five days, with 3 000 units collected a day, to meet the demand.
They are currently experiencing difficulty in achieving this.
This is a special appeal to the public to find at least 30 minutes to donate blood.
Minimum requirements to become a blood donor:
• Be between the age of 16 – 65 years
• Weigh more than 50kg
• Be in good health
• Live a sexually safe lifestyle.
Kempton’s blood donation centre can be contacted on 011 970 4194.
