Traditionally, the month of September is a difficult time at the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) owing to preliminary examinations and preparation towards the final quarter of the year.
As a result, blood drives at schools and universities are generally not possible at this time of year. This, together with poor turnouts at companies and organisational blood drives, has placed immense pressure on the blood stock levels.
“SANBS needs to maintain a blood stock level of five days at all times by collecting 3 000 units of blood per day to meet the demand of the thousands of patients who are reliant on blood transfusions for their survival.
“However, at the moment, we have only two days of blood stock available, and we are concerned that should this continue, we are looking at a major crisis as we head towards the festive season,” SANBS communications manager, Vanessa Raju said.
“It is only with the help of the selfless blood donors that we are able to help this situation. We have implemented a cut-back approach, where we are not able to meet the request by doctors, what this means is; should a doctor request four units of blood, SANBS may only be able to offer two units, and this approach will continue until the blood stocks recover,” she continued.
SANBS is encouraging all regular donors and those who have made a conscious decision to join this cause of “saving lives” not to miss out on their next donation date.
This is also a reminder to all donors who selflessly donated blood on Mandela Day, and to remember that they are due to donate gain and continue making everyday a Mandela Day.
The public who meet the minimum requirements to give the gift of life by becoming regular donors are urged to visit the clinic as soon as they possibly can.
Minimum blood donor requirements:
• Aged between 16 and 65 years.
• Weigh 50kg or more.
• Good health.
• Lead a sexually safe lifestyle.
To find out where your nearest donor centre is, visit www.sanbs.org.za, call the toll free number, 0800 11 9031 or SMS your name and postal code of the area you live in to 31454 and the SANBS will SMS you details of your nearest blood donor centre.
About the SANBS
The SANBS is a non-profit organisation which provides an essential service within South Africa. It is rated among the best in the world in the provision of blood and blood products, as well as in relation to the research and training provided.
SANBS operates across all of South Africa, with the exclusion of the Western Cape.
SANBS is further regarded as a major role player in the provision of support to countries in the SADC region.
