NEWCASTLE ADVERTISER: SANBS warns of critical blood shortage
Covid-19 restrictions are said to have severely limited SANBS's ability to collect adequate blood stocks.
Local blood donors are being called upon, to help avoid a blood crisis. In a press statement this week, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) confirmed it was experiencing critical blood shortages, with hospital patients most at risk.
“At a time when people are understandably focused on staying safe and avoiding contracting Covid-19, little concern is available for much else. Covid-19 restrictions have severely limited our ability to collect adequate blood stocks, particularly because we are not able to access schools, tertiary institutions and corporates, to host blood drives,” explained Silungile Mlambo, SANBS Chief Marketing Officer.
With the demand for blood from hospitals high, Mlambo said Group O stocks had dropped significantly and appealed to residents to donate blood at the earliest. Group O blood is considered universal as it can be received by any person through transfusion.
News of the blood shortage comes just days after SANBS launched its inter-branch challenge in KwaZulu-Natal, with branches in NKZN, Midlands, Highway, Durban North and Durban South competing throughout September for the highest number of donations.
SANBS NKZN officials are determined to claim the bragging rights. Donor Relations Practitioner, Shavani Sewpaul explained the challenge would run from September 7 to 30 and was intended to ensure blood supplies are maintained.
“We want no patient to be without blood. Donate at your nearest donor centre or contact me on 082 870 3446, for a blood drive closest to you.”
SANBS will also host a special ‘bleed’ on Heritage Day (September 24).
To be eligible to donate blood, you must:
- Be free of any cold and flu symptoms
- Be between the ages of 16 and 75
- Weigh more than 50kg
- Be in good health
- Lead a healthy lifestyle
- Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient.
For more information, contact the SANBS call centre on 080 011 9031 or visit www.sanbs.org.za
ALSO READ: SANBS calls for donors to staunch decreasing blood stocks
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