BREAKING NEWS – Urgent call for blood
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) in Limpopo currently has less than half of the blood it needs to be able to serve its area. There is a critical shortage of blood not only in Limpopo, but the entire country, especially in view of the fact that many people will be travelling as we …
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) in Limpopo currently has less than half of the blood it needs to be able to serve its area.
There is a critical shortage of blood not only in Limpopo, but the entire country, especially in view of the fact that many people will be travelling as we get closer to the end of the year.
Dottie Pinn, South African National Blood Service (SANBS) donor relations practitioner, told Polokwane Observer today (Thursday 2 November) that the Northern Zone, which includes Limpopo, has only 1,2 days of stock available when in truth three days’ supply are needed at any given time. “It is considered a crisis when blood stocks dip below two days of stock available. Ideally we aim to have five days’ stock available,” she explained.
Nationally, as of yesterday (Wednesday 1 November) there is only 1,5 days’ worth of group O (universal blood group) stock, equating to 1 473 units.
To find out more about donating blood visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31.
Various blood drives will be taking place all over Limpopo in November. To find out more contact the Polokwane Donor Centre on 015 283 3600.
The SANBS also has three fixed donor centres, namely Polokwane, 153 Potgieter Avenue, tel 015 283 3600, Mokopane, 99 Thabo Mbeki Street, tel 015 491 4806, and Louis Trichardt, 27 Erasmus Street, tel 015 516 5581.
Story: KAREN VENTER
>>karen@observer.co.za
