Urgent appeal for blood donors

GOLD Coasters are being urged to roll up their sleeves and donate blood as Robina and Southport Donor Centres face massive shortfalls in the number of donor appointments in the coming weeks.

The call comes as the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood service reveals that across the country, 5000 people have either cancelled their appointments or not turned up in the past three months.

Lifeblood spokeswoman Belinda Smetioukh said that last week, 1800 Queenslanders answered a statewide call for an additional 2500 people to give blood and plasma to prevent a potential shortage.

“But the Gold Coast is one of six Queensland locations that particularly needs extra donors to fill blood and plasma donation appointments over the next week and beyond to help boost the nation’s blood stocks,” she said.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has taken time to book in a blood donation this week, but we still need a steady flow of donors every day, particularly on the Gold Coast.

“This week, the Robina and Southport Donor Centres are still more than 120 appointments short of what they need to ensure there are enough supplies for patients in need, and almost 300 appointments short next week.”

She said the need for blood and blood products never stopped and she urged all eligible Gold Coasters to make blood or plasma donation part of their new normal.

“Lifeblood donor centres are safe to visit, with strict social distancing, cleaning and donor eligibility measures in place,” she said.

Ms Smetioukh said that every week, 31,000 donations were needed across Australia to help patients in times of trauma, major surgery, cancer treatment, pregnancy and a host of other situations.

To make an appointment to give blood or plasma at the Robina or Southport Donor Centres, call 131 495, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood app.