SANBS is facing an alarmingly low blood stock
Bood bank is encouraging all regular donors and those who have made a conscious decision to join this cause of saving lives not miss out on their next donation date.
SECUNDA – September is a difficult time for the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) owing to preliminary exams and preparation towards the final quarter of the year.
As a result blood drives at schools are generally not possible at this time of year.
This and poor turnouts at companies’ and organisational blood drives have placed immense pressure on the blood stock levels.
“SANBS needs to maintain a blood stock level of 5 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,” said Ms Vanessa Raju, Communications Manager of SANBS.
“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.”
“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 that when a doctor requests four units of blood, SANBS may only be able to offer two units and this approach will continue until the blood stocks recover.
“SANBS is encouraging all regular donors and those who have made a conscious decision to join this cause of saving lives not miss out on their next donation date.
“This is also a reminder to all donors who donated blood on Mandela Day must remember that they are due to donate again.”
People who meet the minimum requirements to give blood, can visit SANBS as soon as possible.
You must be between 16 and 65 years old, weigh 50kg or more, have good health and lead a sexually safe lifestyle to donate blood.
