Tshwane residents urged to donate as bloodstock drops to critical levels

The SA National Blood Service (SANBS) announced the extension of its operating hours and enhanced collection initiative ahead of the upcoming school and Easter holidays.

The organisation faces a concerning shortage of bloodstock, and the situation has reached a critical point with blood type B+ at 4.4 days and blood type O+ at a mere 3.5.

The SANBS maintains a bloodstock level of at least five days for each blood group to ensure sustained availability of blood for patients in need.

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However, at the current rate, the supply falls significantly short of the required level.

When blood type O+ has a stock level of only 3.5 days, it is considered significantly low.

This means that the organisation is left with a very limited supply to cater to patients who require this blood type.

Blood type B+ at 4.4 days also falls short of the desired 5-day mark.

SANBS executive Siemi Prithvi Raj emphasised the importance of collecting sufficient Group O blood, a universal blood type.

“Group O blood can be given to patients with blood types A, B, AB, or O,” he said.

“With the help of donors, SANBS aims to collect 3 000 units of blood a day to ensure a safe and sufficient supply.”

The extension of operating hours is from March 4 to March 15 and is designed to grow the donor base and increase blood collections.

Most donation sites will operate until 19:00 on weekdays to accommodate those who cannot visit during conventional operational times.

This aims to encourage donors in Tshwane and nationwide to step forward and donate blood during this crucial period.

“We acknowledge that the current operating hours may be constrained for some donors who are due to donate or would like to donate for the first time,” he said.

Tshwane residents can donate blood at the following locations:

Pretoria West:
– Shop 60 in Quagga Shopping Centre, 12 Quagga Road.

Pretoria east:
– Hatfield Plaza Shopping Centre, Office F1D, 1122 Burnett Street.

Pretoria North:
– Kolonnade shopping centre, Shop U32, 1st floor.
– Shop 554 in Wonderpark shopping centre, Karen Park.
– Shop 15B in Jean Village shopping centre in Centurion.
– Ga-Rankuwa shopping centre, Shop 5, suite 9114 Lucas Mangophe Highway.
– Onderstepoort Veterinary Hospital, Onderstepoort Road.

Pretoria Central:
– Sammy Marks Square, 138 Church Street.

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