Blood stocks get a shot in the arm
After issuing an urgent appeal for blood donations, the SANBS received 32 units on Friday alone.
Bruce Douglas
Healthy blood donations from Newcastillians have made a difference to ongoing shortages.
Late last week, SANBS spokeswoman Shavani Sewpaul issued an urgent plea for residents to donate blood, in light of stocks dropping to 1,7 days’ supply, or crisis levels.
One of the causes of the shortage is the holiday season, during which many residents embark on vacations.
On Friday, Ms Sewpaul reported the normal blood donation count of 18 for that day of the week was almost doubled, with a total of 32 residents giving the gift of life.
“The notice sent out to residents really made a difference,” she added.
After the notice was sent out via social media, resident Helen De Robillard posted a question on Facebook, asking how much of the blood stocks went to SANBS, as a recent documentary showed huge amounts were lost through incompetent contractors.
“A huge amount of blood is thrown away due to the bad service of irresponsible contractors,” her comment read.
Responding, Ms Sewpaul said there had indeed been a report on investigative news programme, Carte Blanche, but reassured residents such problems were a thing of the past.
In her words, she was happy with the service of the couriers.
“There have been no recent cases,” Ms Sewpaul concluded.
To donate blood, a person must weigh more than 50 kilograms, must be between the ages of 16 and 65 years of age, must lead a sexually safe lifestyle, and must have eaten before donating.
For more information, contact the Newcastle Donor Centre on 034 326 1127.
