Saving lives one pint at a time

Netcare Milpark Hospital partnered with the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) and embarked on a blood donation drive on 5 July.

The SANBS commemorated World Blood Donor Day on 14 June, an international day recognising blood donors worldwide with this year’s theme being ‘blood connects us all’.

Mariesa Human, emergency department manager at Netcare Milpark Hospital, said the challenge was put out to all hospital staff from trauma units and level 1 and 2 centres to donate as many pints of blood as possible.

Human said the initial drive was on blood donor day, but donors did not rise to the occasion, hence the second drive on 5 July.

“Today is the second drive because on the first one we did not meet our targets,” said Human.

“We managed about 119 units and we needed more.” She said when the initiative began, South Africa was low on blood products and Netcare took it upon themselves to increase numbers by pushing for donation drives.

“It’s important for people to understand that they need to donate,” said Human.

“We are hoping to get 60 units today, but any number is appreciated because it will save lives.”

Annie Mandrie, deputy nursing manager at the hospital, reiterated Humans’ sentiments on the importance of giving blood. She said that although all were welcome to donate, donors had to comply with certain requirements. “You have to be a certain weight, above a certain age and you also have to be healthy.”

She added that for those who were unfamiliar or may have concerns post donating, the human body makes up blood levels within hours.

“As soon as you start drinking, your body starts to make it up,” she said.

“You have to ensure that you drink plenty of fluids afterwards.”

Thandazile Ndwandwe, phlebotomist at SANBS, said the general perception was that accident victims needed transfusions the most. However, blood contained different products used in different patients with different needs.

“A pint of blood contains platelets, plasma and red cells,” said Ndwandwe.

“Red cells are used to assist anaemic patients as well as cancer patients, and plasma is also used for burn victims, just to name a few examples.”

Ndwandwe said due to research and further studies, all are welcome to donate, irrespective of lifestyle preference. “There is no discrimination in blood donation. Anyone who lives a healthy lifestyle can donate because we need as much blood as we can get,” added Ndwandwe.

The hospital will conduct another drive in the near future and all are welcome to donate blood.