WITH the festive season fast approaching, it is a time when relaxation, gifts and family are on the minds of many.
However, it is also a time when for others, the demands of day-to-day life still continue, like in the case of doctors who work hard at saving lives and in most cases can only do so with the help of blood and blood products.“Traditionally December is a difficult time for the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), as we are unable to collect the 3,000 units of blood a day needed to treat patients, like those who are terminally ill, let alone any trauma incidents.
If the previous year’s blood stock levels, over the same period, is anything to go by, we know that we have some tough times ahead,” said SANBS regional marketing manager, Sifiso Khoza.
The greatest need for blood are for patients who are terminally ill and who rely on daily, if not weekly transfusions for their survival as well as women who have childbirth complications.
Accidents, scheduled operations and paediatric cases are other instances where blood is desperately needed too.
“We encourage the public to find 30 minutes this holiday period to donate blood, because while you are relaxing and enjoying the break, your blood will be out there saving up to three lives.”
The KZN region has planned various special blood drive promotions over the festive season and into January 2015 with extended hours and additional weekend blood drives. It is only possible to meet the demand with the help of regular and committed blood donors.
To find out where to donate SMS your name and postal code to 31454. To find out more about the SANBS, visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800-11-9031.
