Drastic need for blood in Western Cape

By Odette Ismail

There is a dire shortage of less than two-days blood supply in the Western Cape due to the increase in usage recently as well as the reduced collections.

Graham Thurtell promotions and planning manager at the Western Province Blood Transfusion Service told the Cape Times that on Tueday their various blood banks have used an average of 350 units of blood per weekend, which is twice as much.

Their spokesperson Marika Champion confirmed that this immediately caused reserve stock to drop effectively. She said that it daily needs to be between 600 and 700 units, but collections reached a low of only 500 to 600 units this week.

Anyone who is able to donate blood should contact 021 507 6300 for the closest blood donor clinics.