CENTRE HIT BY DELAYS

AN Australian-wide shortage of medical supplies has seen the Lifeblood Townsville Donor Centre forced to cancel appointments.

A missed citrate delivery has halted some booked donations at the plasma-focused Townsville facility over the next week.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood media and communications manager Belinda Smetioukh said it was a tough time for operations.

“We have been informed a citrate delivery missed a freight shipment from Ireland, and we are working closely with the supplier who has assured us that delivery to Australia will be made next week,” she said.

“Citrate is used in the plasma donation process and regrettably this means that through this period we have had to postpone a number of plasma donations.”

you should (donate) and may feel normal again.”

Mr Sumiller donated 700ml of his plasma, which took 90 minutes to complete at the donor centre.

life

It is expected the Lifeblood Townsville Donor Centre will resume normal collections in the next fortnight.

Townsville plasma donors who were booked in over the next week are encouraged to reschedule their appointments from late May to early June.

Ms Smetioukh said thankfully Australia had rallied together during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Throughout April, every state across the country had either their largest or second highest plasma collection day on record; it’s been a truly incredible effort,” she said.

“We are extremely grateful to Australians who have rolled up their sleeves in record numbers over the past six weeks to ensure that patients across the country have access to the blood, plasma and blood products they require.”

I WANTED TO USE MY FREEDOM TO DO THIS AND HOPEFULLY IT WILL REMIND PEOPLE WHO HAVE POSTPONED GIVING THAT YOU SHOULD (DONATE).”

VJ SUMILLER

Plasma donations can be used in 18 different life giving ways and are used to treat serious burns, cancer and leukaemia, fight infectious diseases, prevent blood clots,

protect people with brain and nerve diseases, and to stop critical bleeding.

Mr Sumiller is also part of the Townsville Alive Facebook blood donor group that has collectively donated 50 times in 2019 and 17 times so far this year.

Lifeblood chief executive Shelly Park encouraged people to make the time to save lives.

“Coronavirus does not stop the need for blood and plasma. It is a critical resource and demand for blood is constant and will continue to be,” she said.

“Even though this situation continues to change rapidly, there are still patients in hospital who need blood and are relying on people to continue making these donations,”

To make an appointment to give blood, see lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95 or download the Donate Blood app.