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The SANBS is facing severe bloodstock shortages, to the extent that there may not be sufficient available blood for patients in need over the festive season. Shavani Sewpaul, the spokesperson for SANBS Newcastle, says, “We have reached the level we had hoped not to be in, crisis, and in low supply of blood.”
With holidaymakers now preparing to soak up some rest and relaxation, Shavani emphasises the importance of donating blood. “We appreciate all the efforts of our regular donors, but we really need more people to come forward.”
Ravi Reddy, SANBS Chief Operations Officer, stresses, “Traditionally, December is a difficult time for the SANBS, with limited access to corporate blood drives and availability of donors, impacting on the ability to collect the minimum of 3 500 units of blood a day that are needed to treat patients. We approach this season with low stocks, and we know that we have some tough times ahead if donors do not respond to our call to lend a hand.”
In an attempt to increase its supplies, Newcastle SANBS hosted a blood drive clinic on Friday, 11 September 2020. Blood donors were joined by Darren Maule of East Coast Radio, whose presence added a bit of an extra cheer to the day.
Such was the success of the day, Shavani says that the Northern KwaZulu-Natal SANBS team managed to collect 119 units of blood.
Following the day, Newcastillians are encouraged to donate blood this Festive Season at one of the numerous clinics SANBS will be hosting. Your actions can save a life.
