SANBS urges community to donate ahead of festive season
Blood supplies will take a serious knock with the festive season almost in full swing.
Blood stock levels are decreasing at the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), posing a severe risk to patients in need.
Since the implementation of the new digital donor questionnaire, aimed at streamlining the donor registration process on November 7, SANBS has seen a steady decline in blood donations, with blood stocks currently sitting at only 1,8 days’ supply, pushing the available blood to critically low levels across the country. Several individuals reliant on blood transfusions may be affected by this blood shortage. It is hoped that the donor experience will be enhanced as a result of the technical issues that were encountered during implementation.
As a result of the blood supply strain, healthcare facilities are less prepared to handle unforeseen emergencies, creating an alarming ripple effect.
“We are facing a critical shortage of blood and urgently call upon all South Africans to band together to get through this challenging period. The demand for blood remains constant, yet our current supply falls short of meeting this ongoing need. As we approach December, our donations are expected to decline due to the closures of workplaces and schools/ tertiaries. Should this decline continue, our ability to meet the needs of patients will be severely negatively impacted,” said Thandi Mosupye, SANBS senior manager for marketing, communication, and brand
It takes only 30 minutes to donate blood.
To donate blood using the new digital donor questionnaire and register on the new system for the first time, a copy of your Identity document must be presented; you must be between the ages of 16 and 75, weigh more than 50kg and be in good health.
If you meet these requirements, find your nearest donation site by visiting the donor centre map on the SANBS website or contact 0800 11 9031 or follow SANBS on its official social media platforms: Twitter (@theSANBS); Facebook (@SANBS) and Instagram (@thesanbs).
Related Article: SANBS urgently needs blood donors to step forward
