Blood banks run dangerously dry again

Members of the public are being called to donate blood during the course of today and this week as the Western Province Blood Transfusion Service (WPBTS) blood bank is critically low.

Without the aid of locals to replenish supplies, the blood banks currently only have enough blood to supply the demands of the province for one more day.

Western Cape Blood Transfusion Service spokesperson, Michelle Vermeulen attributes the current critical shortage to the effects the winter season has on the public.

“This is mainly due to the winter colds and flu and also donors that don’t want to come out during the colder weather,” she said.

Vermeulen explained that there are selected times during the year that result in a pattern of blood shortages for the province.

“WPBTS do have times during the year where we would tend to have a blood shortage such as Easter weekend, Christmas holiday and winter periods,” says Vermeulen.

Donations are affected by many incidents which cause dangerous shortages, according to the Western Cape Blood Transfusion Service.

“This is due to various factors such as holidays, where residents go on holiday and don’t necessarily go to donate blood. Our regular donors suffer from colds and flu and also can’t donate,” she said

The WPBTS is encouraging the public to donate at their nearest blood donation point available.

“We are therefore always asking anyone who is eligible to donate to come and donate blood. You have to be older than 16 and younger than 65, weigh more than 50kg and be healthy on the day of donation,” Vermeulen said.

There is currently a critical shortage of O positive along with low levels of O negative and A positive blood that is slowly decreasing.

The #WesternCape has 1 day’s supply of blood left. Please #DonateBlood urgently. https://t.co/z1eL841Ncw #WPBloodShortage pic.twitter.com/2zP9u8k6iM

— WP Blood Service (@WPBlood) September 17, 2018

Where to donate in Cape Town:

Tokai, Blue Route Mall

This is a permanent location spot for donations and is open seven days a week including most public holidays.

Address: 16 Tokai Rd, Tokai, Cape Town,

Date: Monday – Saturday

Time: Week days, 10am – 5.45pm, Saturdays 9am – 2.45pm and Sundays 9am – 12.45.

Cape Town CBD, Long Street

This blood donation branch is located in the heart of the CBD and is convenient for those working in the area.

Address: 22 Long St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town

Date: Monday – Friday

Time: 8.30am – 4.15pm

N1 City Mall

This is a permanent location for the public to donate situated in Goodwood.

Address: Shop 38, Louwtjie Rothman St, N1 City, Cape Town

Date: Monday – Sunday

Time: 10am – 5.45pm (Monday – Friday), 09am – 2.45pm (Saturday), 09am – 11.45am (Sunday)

Clinics available for 18 September:

Church Hall, Tableview

Those along the Atlantic Seaboard can head to the pop-up clinic service available in Blouberg.

Address: Church Hall, Cnr Porterfield & West Coast, Blouberg

Date: 18 September 2018

Time: 3pm – 6.45pm

Kraafontein, Library Hall Located in the Northern Suburbs, this pop-up clinic service is open for those who are usually unable to donate during the day. Address: Brighton Rd, Windsor Park, Cape Town Date: 18 September 2018 Time: 3pm – 6.15pm

D R Church Hall, Mossel Bay

If you are currently along the Garden route area, patrons can make their way to the Mossel Bay clinic location to donate blood.

Address: D R Church Hall, Church Street, Mossel Bay

Date: 18 September 2018

Time: 1pm -6.30pm

A single donation can save up to three lives, donate blood today and do your part to save someone’s life.

Picture: Pixabay

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