Please donate blood — stocks and donors run low

New Zealand Blood Service is asking eligible, fit and healthy New Zealanders to donate blood.

The Service has had up to a 30 per cent increase in cancellations and ‘no-shows’ in the past week compared to last year, possibly because of Covid-19 concerns.

“We are asking all eligible healthy blood donors to book an appointment, and keep commitments to donate blood,” said Asuka Burge, national manager marketing and communications.

“NZBS needs to collect 3500 donations every week to keep up with demand across the country, and we are seeing an increasing number of cancellations and empty chairs in our donor centres.

“Our donor centres are safe places to visit, and we are taking all necessary steps to ensure this stays that way.”

NZBS has strict blood donor screening measures, which include travel deferrals, to ensure individuals who are unwell, or have recently travelled to high-risk countries are deferred from donating.

“Absolutely, if a donor is feeling unwell, they should reschedule or cancel their appointment, but please let us know. Every no-show or cancelled appointment impacts the blood supply and the availability of blood to treat patients in hospitals ,” said Asuka. “Blood cannot be stockpiled. Whole blood has a shelf life of just 35 days, which means we must ensure we can continue to meet demand.

“This is why we need fit, healthy, eligible Kiwis to book appointments and continue to donate.”

■ Visit www.nzblood.co.nz or call 0800 448 325