‘Register and donate’ – appeals Durban dad amid dire platelet shortage
"We have a massive shortage across the country," confirmed SANBS' specialised collections manager, Margie Hamilton.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2021/05/165520656_469946587793380_8490888571511715447_n-e1621661789109-780x470.jpg)
WITH the alarming shortage of platelets across South Africa, a Durban father has made an appeal to the community to register and donate.
John Harris has called on the community after his son, Ehren, who has Hodgkins Lymphoma, had to receive a life-saving platelet donation.
ALSO READ: Durban girl needs a donor
The 18-year-old’s platelet as well as his white blood cell counts had dropped dangerously low last week prompting his doctor to place him on the platelet panel.
![](https://highwaymail.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2021/05/187151844_502319134556125_8683393888514161206_n-450x800.jpg)
Fortunately, on Monday night he received, what the duo have adequately dubbed, “liquid gold”, which will give him the ability to continue his fight against cancer.
“We have a massive shortage across the country,” confirmed SANBS’ specialised collections manager, Margie Hamilton.
Currently, there are 650 individuals who are in need of a platelet donation.
“We just cannot meet the demand. In KwaZulu-Natal there is an average demand of 25 bags a day, some days the demand is even higher,” she said.
ALSO READ: South African National Blood Service exercises precautions during Covid-19 crisis
Some cancer patients, she said, could need up to three bags of platelets per transfusion, added Hamilton.
In Durban, the situation is extremely dire, as there is only one donation centre – at Westwood Mall.
“We use to have a home in Pinetown as well, but now we only have a donation centre in Westville, and obviously we have seen a huge drop in donors,” she said.
While there are a number of committed donors who donate regularly, Hamilton has appealed to those who have never donated before to heed the call.
“If anyone can, and is able we ask that they go and have themselves tested and to register. Donating is a bit of a long procedure, but you’ll be giving someone the gift of life,” he said.
Should anyone have any questions or queries about donating they can contact 071 239 6316.
Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
Do you want to receive news alerts via Telegram? Send us a message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple