Western Cape blood stocks low: Call to donate
The WC Blood Service is urging South Africans to donate.
Image: Supplied
The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) has urgently appealed to the public to donate blood this week as stocks across the province have come under pressure.
Following Monday’s Level 8 weather warning, the service was unable to collect the number of units required to meet hospital demand across the province.
WCBS said it needs to collect 700 units of blood every day to maintain a stable blood supply.
Blood groups O-negative and O-positive are currently under the greatest strain, with O-positive at only a three-day supply and O-negative at just a two-day supply.
“Winter is traditionally a challenging period for maintaining a five-day blood stocklevel across all blood groups due to colds, flu and school holidays,” said Marike Carli, spokesperson at WCBS.
“The Level 8 weather warning has added additional pressure to an already vulnerable blood supply. We are appealing to all eligible donors to make blood donation a priority this week to help ensure bloodstocks meet hospital demand.”
Several blood donation clinics were cancelled or temporarily closed on Monday and Tuesday due to severe weather conditions, school closures, and venue accessibility challenges.
All blood donation centres across the province are currently open, and WCBS will communicate any further operational changes directly to donors and on social media.
If you are between 16 and 75, weigh 50kg or more, are in good general health, and lead a safe sexual lifestyle, you should be able to donate.
Donors are advised to eat a substantial meal within three to four hours before visiting a clinic and to increase their fluid intake before, during, and after donation.
Blood donation takes 30 minutes and you can donate blood every 56 days.
For more information or to find your closest blood donation clinic,visit www.wcbs.org.za, or send a WhatsApp to 060 549 7244.