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Press Release

The Western Province Blood Transfusion Service (WPBTS) is currently experiencing a shortage of blood and currently only has a two day supply of the O blood group.

Blood supply levels have been under pressure since the recent long weekend, which combined with the school holidays and Ramadaan, has had a negative impact on donation levels.

Blood banks across the metropolitan area have also reported an increase in the usage of blood at major hospitals such as Red Cross, Groote Schuur and Tygerberg, leading to difficulty in maintaining sufficient O and B blood group stocks.

Blood collections in the province are carefully planned to fulfil in the province's needs and should ideally be between 600 — 700 units each day.

"We have not been able to alleviate the pressure on the province's blood supply over the past week and are urging all current and prospective donors to attend donation sessions when and where they can," said Ms Lynn Erasmus, spokesperson for the WPBTS.

The WPBTS has a permanent Blood Donor Centre at not 22 Long Street in Cape Town and will host a special extended evening clinic for residents and commuters who work in the CBD on Thursday, 04 October until 19.00pm.

Donors outside the CBD can call the WPBTS on tel (021) 507 6300 / 6364 to find out about their closest clinic in the Cape Peninsula, Paarl, Worcester or George.

Prospective donors must be older than 17 years, weigh more than 50kg and lead a safe, healthy lifestyle. Donors are reminded to eat before attending clinics.

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