Blood bank calls on donor support as stocks decline
Zululand donors are encouraged to visit the Richards Bay Blood Donor Centre at Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre to donate
With blood stocks having dropped to just 3.9 days’ supply this month, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is calling on all eligible South Africans to donate.
Now below the five-day minimum target and the 3 500 units of blood it needs daily to meet patient demand, SANBS fears the decline could pose a challenge if stocks are not boosted, especially in light of the upcoming festive season when demand is high.
In the midst of school exam season and the academic year coming to an end, mobile clinics are unable to hold blood drives at learning institutions.
Zululand donors are encouraged to visit the Richards Bay Blood Donor Centre at Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre to donate.
“Every day, patients rely on blood transfusions for life-saving surgery, complications during childbirth, cancer treatment and emergency care, which highlights the need for a reliable blood supply,” said senior manager: SANBS donor relations Monique Schreiner.
“Some regions are facing even greater pressure, with blood stocks below three days’ cover.
“Type O is particularly important in emergencies when there may be limited time to establish a patient’s blood group before a transfusion is needed.
“The current blood supply is under significant pressure, and we need the public’s support to rebuild stocks ahead of the festive season.
“We are appealing to active donors, lapsed donors and eligible South Africans who have never donated, to make time to give blood.
“Every donation counts and can help save lives,” urged Schreiner.
The SANBS encourages eligible donors to make blood donation a priority rather than postponing it until later in the year.
The Richards Bay Blood Donor Centre is open weekdays from 9am to 4.45pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1.45pm. For more information, contact 031 7196740.
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