The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) said they have been hard hit by the current lockdown.

Relebohile Matsimbi, donor relations practitioner for SANBS, told Steelburger/Lydenburg News that it had experienced mass cancellation for its blood drive, and anticipate subsequent blood shortages, notably in blood groups O and B.

“We have still been able to still carry out some of our scheduled mobile drives, despite the negative outlook. As the weeks continue, and with the relaxed limitations to movements, we are hoping to pick up on the mobile blood drives once more.”

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Matsimbi said as an organisation that is trusted to save lives, it is their role to ensure that the South African blood supply remains consistent.

SANBS is reaching out to the community at large to see if there is a possibility to host a blood drive in different areas in the coming weeks.

“We can assure you that our operations are safe, and we are adopting safety measures to ensure both staff and donor safety.”

The safety measures include supplies of alcohol-based antiseptic sprays and wet wipes, staff members that wear personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times, which includes face masks and shield and protective gloves, and the staff have been trained in the safe and correct way of wearing all PPE, as well as the sterile cleaning and disposal thereof.

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SANBS observes strict social distancing at its collection points; donor beds are kept two metres apart and all contact with nurses is kept to a minimum.

Matsimbi added that they thank and acknowledge all the community’s help and commitment.

“We value your partnership with us and we encourage you to consider hosting us again. Let us continue to work together to save lives,” she said.

SANBS Lydenburg is located at Lydenburg Shopping Centre, 53 Kantoor Street.