Donate blood to save lives.
TEMBISA - Tembisa Hospital's CEO is encouraging residents to heed MEC Qedani Mahlangu's plea to give blood to save lives.
Doctor Daisy Pekane said, “It is important for residents to give blood, the hospital needs it for patients who need blood transfusions.”
In a statement MEC Mahlangu said, “According to the World Health Organisation, about 800 women die from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications on a daily basis. Almost all of these deaths occur in developing countries.”
Residents are encouraged to give blood as it is crucial in saving lives. The Department of Health said under the theme ‘Safe blood for Saving Mothers’, this year’s awareness campaigns will focus on ensuring the availability of blood in order to prevent maternal deaths. In addition, pregnant women are encouraged to attend antenatal clinics before 20 weeks of pregnancy. Mahlangu said this is crucial in identifying potential complications and managing them early to avoid unnecessary deaths.
Tembisa Hospital spokesperson Lesibana Ledwaba said the national blood service visits the hospital from time-to-time. “The hospital needs blood. If you want to donate blood from the hospital, call and we will notify you of the next visit by the national blood service.”
Donate blood at South African National Blood Service centres or call 0800 11 9031 to get more information on where to donate blood.
Details: Tembisa Hospital, 011 923 2000.
