Australian Red Cross Lifeblood plea for new blood donors to sign up as major WA shortage looms

January 6

WA is facing a shortage of vital blood products to treat cancer patients or road trauma victims unless more donors sign up.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood urgently needs around 800 new donors in WA in the next week to maintain its services.

It issued an urgent call for blood donors after a record number of donations were cancelled last week, putting pressure on blood supplies.

More than 6500 people across Australia cancelled their donation appointments — the highest number of New Year cancellations in three years — while another 14,000 either rescheduled or failed to attend.

It means that 12,000 new donors are needed across the nation to replenish low blood stocks.

“We know the festive season is a busy time of year, and everyone looks forward to a well-earned break, but the need for blood has not stopped,” Lifeblood’s executive director for donor experience, Cath Stone, said.

“There are still cancer patients, road trauma victims, new mums and newborn babies, and people with immune deficiencies that are relying on the generosity of blood donors.

“Every day, we are issuing more than 9500 blood and plasma transfusions and medications to Australian hospitals.

“Now that the holiday season has come to an end and people are returning to their normal routines, we’re hoping more people will find an hour in their schedule to save lives.”

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