Urgent call for blood donations
A critical blood shortage has seen SANBS request hospitals and medical staff to cut back on planned operations.
THE South African National Blood Service is urgently calling for blood donations.
There has been an unexpected poor turnout of donors over the recent weeks, which has had a great impact on blood collections.
Blood stocks are at a critical level with between 1.5 and 1.9 days, as opposed to the required five days.
This critical blood shortage has resulted in SANBS requesting all hospitals and medical staff to cut back on planned operations.
The upcoming holidays and examination period will further impact the number of donors and SANBS is therefore calling on all eligible and current donors to make blood donation their highest priority.
To find your nearest blood donor centre call 0800 11 9031 or visit: www.sanbs.org.za or find them on Facebook and Twitter.
As of 1 October, Richards Bay Donor Centre will remain open until 6pm every Wednesday.
This three month trial run is in aid of assisting donors who cannot reach the centre before 4.30pm. Should it prove successful it will continue permanently into 2015.
Normal operating hours are 9am – 4.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
9am – 6pm every Wednesday.
8.30 – 1pm on Saturdays.
For more enquiries contact SANBS Brand and Communications Manager Vanessa Raju on 011 7619300 or 071 6027241.
