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Press Release

The Western Cape's blood supply has recovered after the recent shortage and the Western Province Blood Transfusion Service (WPBTS) reports that it has reached its operational target of 792 units that is required to provide for a five to seven day cycle.

Pressure on the province's blood supply increased during the recent school holiday and the situation was aggravated by a reported increase in the demand for blood at major hospitals and the impact of Ramadaan on donor numbers.

"Donors' response to WPBTS's call for donations has been very good and we look forward to welcoming back our Muslim donors who could not donate during the month of Ramadaan because of the fast," said Ms Lynn Erasmus, spokesperson for the WPBTS.

WPBTS is now preparing to build its reserve blood supply in preparation for the festive season when many donors go away on holiday and public holidays limit the number of educational and commercial clinics, two of the organisation's important sources of donor blood.

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