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Press Release

The WP Blood Transfusion Service (WPBTS) in partnership with Schus Nissan will be hosting an Easter weekend blood donation clinic at the dealer's Tyger Valley Centre showroom on Saturday, 07 April 2007.

The Western Cape's hospitals and clinics require approximately 600-700 units of blood each day. During holiday times such as Easter the demand for blood and related products increase because many regular donors are away on holiday.

Blood is made up of different components and recipients only receive what is required for their condition. Each unit of blood can go on to benefit or save the lives of up to four people.

According to Mr Graham Thurtell, spokesperson for the WPBTS, the Easter donation drive at Tyger Valley is important because the blood is specifically required for the production of platelets, used for the treatment of leukaemia.

"Platelet concentrates are prepared from whole blood within eight hours of collection and lasts only five days under special storage conditions. If we take into account the number of public holidays over the Easter period, it requires careful planning to ensure that the WPBTS sustains its supplies," said Thurtell.

"Schus Nissan is happy to partner the WPBTS in their effort to render this essential service to the communities of the Western Cape by making available one of our showrooms to accommodate the donor clinic," said Frikkie van Dyk, Manager of the Tyger Valley Schus Nissan branch.

Even though the WPBTS comply with stringent testing requirements* to ensure the delivery of safe blood, this responsibility rests with all donors.

"Donors and prospective donors are welcome to come to the clinic but we urge them to be unconditionally honest on their donor questionnaire as one inaccurate or false answer could jeopardise the lives of a number of recipients," concluded Thurtell.

Any person older than 17 years, weighing more than 50kg and who leads healthy lifestyle (sexual and otherwise) can donate blood.

The clinic will take place between 10:00am and 14:30pm on Saturday, 07 April 2007 at the Schus Nissan showroom, shop 594 A, entrance no 13 (next to Game), at the Tyger Valley shopping centre.

For more information, contact the Western Province Blood Transfusion Services on tel (021) 507 6300, e-mail info@wpbts.org.za or visit www.wpblood.org.za