No break for the Blood Bank over Christmas

ACT Health Minister, Katy Gallagher MLA, has urged Canberrans to give the gift of blood this Christmas season.

“The need for blood products does not ease over the holiday period, and donors are still needed to meet the demand,” Ms Gallagher said.

“With more people on the roads and a greater risk of accidents, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service needs to ensure a consistent supply of blood product.

“It’s also the bushfire season and if there were to be a major bushfire incident this Summer, blood products would be critical for burns victims who can require up to 200 units of plasma just for their initial treatment.

“Patients in hospitals and their families also need to know that product will continue to be available for their treatments so that their festive season can be as worry-free as possible.

“The Canberra community responded well to the Blood Service’s call for blood before Christmas, however, it is struggling to fill appointments between Christmas and New Year and for the first few weeks of January, when many Canberrans leave town for their annual beach break.

“If you’re an existing donor, or wanting to give it a go, please call the Canberra Donor Centre and make an appointment,” Ms Gallagher said.

The Canberra Donor Centre needs about 700 donors each week and a minimum of 250 donors a week at the Mobile Unit.

To make an appointment, call 13 14 95 or visit the Donor Mobile Unit which will be in Civic (City Walk off Ainslie Avenue) until 30 December and then in Queanbeyan (Riverside Plaza, North Carpark, Morriset Street) on New Year’s Eve.

27 December 2009