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Neelashen Govender, donor relations practitioner for SANBS, said while staff are trying to find a new venue, mobile clinics are under way.
NO blood donations were received during the week of civil unrest, placing the SANBS in a further backlog of blood supply.
This, according to Dennis Ngongoma, public relations practitioner for Durban North branch, has placed blood donor centres under severe strain.
Speaking to Northglen News, he encouraged donors, old and new, to donate blood at their nearest blood donor centre.
READ ALSO: Don’t wait to donate blood urges SANBS
“Due to the looting, not many malls are able to accommodate us right now as they are trying to get back on their feet. We have initiated mobile clinics which have been well supported and we encourage businesses who are opened, to contact us to set up a clinic,” said Nongoma.
He said the SANBS office, situated in New Germany, was severely looted while the President was addressing the nation, pleading for the looting and unrest to end. The Pinecrest donor clinic had also been affected.
Neelashen Govender, donor relations practitioner for SANBS said while staff are trying to find a new venue, mobile clinics are under way.
“We encourage businesses, organisations, that are open to contact us as we have not had any blood donations for about a week,” said Govender. He added that donor gifts, tools of the trade and some medical tools were looted from the Pinetown branch.
“Medical tools have not been sourced yet. It’s a struggle to source these tools as manufacturers are closed. Insurance applications are also still being processed. The Pinecrest branch is still under police investigation,” he said.
He added that the looting of the SANBS offices has had a psychological impact on staff.
“Some staff were afraid to come to work. Some of our donors could see on TV what had happened to SANBS and their reaction was to come and help as soon as it was safe to do while others are afraid to come out,” said Govender.
Speaking about the recent mobile clinics held in Hillcrest and KwaDakuza areas, Govender and Nongoma said both were well supported. “We thank donors for listening to our appeals and encourage them to continue donating blood,” they said.
To find out where your nearest blood donor clinic is, call 0800 119 031 or visit www.sanbs.org.za
The Durban North donor Centre is situated at Shop 24, Kensington Square, Adelaide Thambo Drive.
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