Boost to local blood donors
Blood platelet donors and cancer sufferers on the East Rand have received a massive boost, as the Northmead Blood Donor Centre is now recognised as a specialised donor centre.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) centre, which is one of 13 in the country, was launched on Friday.
The procurement of two aphaeresis machines, which separate blood platelets and return plasma and red blood cells to the donor’s blood stream, resulted in the centre gaining its specialised status.
Donors will now be able to donate platelets every two to three weeks, instead of every 56 days, as a result of the machine returning the red blood cells to the body.
Rynfield resident Andrew Leece was the first person to test the new machine, on Friday, with his friend Glen Whitford being the second.
Leece was in the presence of his nephew, André Dhooge (28), who is the reason for him becoming a platelet donor and whole blood donor, who has given blood more than 180 times.
Leece started donating blood after his nephew was diagnosed with leukaemia, three years after birth.
“I found out, some years after his treatment had started, that people could donate platelets and these were used to aid leukaemia sufferers,” said Leece.
“I realised that, had it not been for the platelet donors, André would have had a tougher time fighting and surviving the illness.”
Leece said the introduction of the Northmead-based centre is wonderful, as he will no longer have to travel long distances to donate blood.
He has urged people to donate platelets to help save lives.
“I urge all able-bodied people to consider platelet donation as part of their life,” he said.
“You may never see a leukaemia sufferer, but you will know that, in a small way, you were able to make a positive difference in lives of those with the illness and their families.”
Terrence Pillay, public relations practitioner for the Benoni SANBS, said these machines will go a long way in helping people in need in and around Benoni.
“The introduction of these services will ensure that SANBS has sufficient platelets for the surrounding hospitals and will make us more efficient in servicing the needs of patients within our area,” he explained.
“We would like to encourage patients who are currently undergoing treatment for cancer to send family members and friends to join the platelet donation programme.”
Pillay said people will be able to donate platelets which could be used exclusively for their loved ones who are in need of platelet donations.
