Donate blood to keep stocks up during holidays
‘We know we have some tough times ahead’
WHILE most enjoy the festive season as a time for relaxation, it is also the peak time of the year for accidents and trauma incidents, with the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) grappling to keep sufficient life saving blood stocks.
To avoid the annual crisis, SANBS has appealed to the public to donate blood at the Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre or at any of the mobile clinics set up across northern KZN throughout December.
‘Traditionally, December is a difficult time for us as we are unable to collect the 3 000 units of blood a day that is needed to treat patients,’ said SANBS Regional Marketing Manager, Sifiso Khoza.
‘If previous years’ blood stock levels over the same period is anything to go by, we know we have some tough times ahead.
‘The greatest need for blood are for patients who are terminally ill and rely on daily and weekly transfusions for their survival. This includes women who had complications with childbirth.
‘Accidents, scheduled operations and paediatric cases are the other cases where blood is desperately needed.
‘We want to 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.’
He said SANBS various special blood drive promotions during the festive season in KZN with extended hours and additional weekend blood drives are planned.
‘The idea is to remain on people’s minds and to be accessible, convenient and visible.
December mobile clinics
5 – Pick n Pay Meerensee from 10am till 6pm
6 – South32 Hillside Alluminium from 9am till 4pm
7 – Tendele Coal Mine from 9am till 3pm
8 – Empangeni Library from10am till 6pm
12 – Ngwelezana Hospital from 10am till 3pm
13 – ZAC Mine from 9am till 3pm
14 – Mondi Richards Bay from 9am till 3.30pm
15 – Empangeni Garden Clinic
16 – Pongola Pick n Pay from 9am till 3pm
For more information, visit the SANBS website www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 9031.
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