Blood donations needed this winter

Traditionally, winter months are a difficult time due to schools and universities being on holiday, and an increase in illnesses such as the flu virus impacting on blood collection.

Therefore, immense pressure is put on the service to collect safe and quality blood products.

“SANBS needs to maintain a blood stock level of five days at all times, by collecting 3 000 units of blood per day, in order to meet the demand of the thousands of patients who are reliant on blood transfusions for their survival,” said Vanessa Raju, communications manager of SANBS.

At the moment, 1.7 days of blood stock is available on a national level.

The service is appealing to regular donors not to miss their next donation date, and to members of the public who meet the minimum requirements to become blood donors, to boost supplies by committing to blood donations.

Minimum blood donor requirements:

n Aged between 16 and 65 years.

n Weigh 50kg or more.

n Be in good health.

n Lead a sexually safe lifestyle.

The SANBS Benoni branch is located at 42 14th Avenue, Northmead.

For more information call 011 425 6764/ 6766.