Public urged to donate blood as inventories run low (with photo)

     The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) today (November 20) urgently appealed to members of the public to donate blood as blood inventories have been depleted to very low levels, with only three to four days' stock remaining. The blood inventories must be duly replenished to tackle the expected winter surge and maintain a stable blood supply for clinical transfusion to patients.

     In light of the uncertain pandemic situation, mobile blood donation services to corporate settings and schools have been seriously affected. As non-emergency services in public hospitals have gradually resumed, along with the winter surge, the blood collection cannot meet the rising daily demand from local hospitals. A sufficient blood supply is crucial in accident and emergency departments of different hospitals, and to facilitate clinical transfusions for treating critical illnesses as in organ transplants and emergency operations, as well as to meet blood demand from thalassaemia and blood cancer patients. The BTS urges all sectors of the community to support blood donations with immediate action.
 
     As a token of thanks, from November 21 to December 2, every blood donor who donates successfully at donor centres and the blood donation vehicle will receive a universal socket adapter. A souvenir is available on a first-come, first-served basis, while stocks last.
 
     To prevent crowds from gathering and long waiting times at the donor centres, donors are advised to make appointments by calling the BTS donor centres or via the "HK Blood" mobile app. For details, please visit www.ha.org.hk/rcbts.
 
     The "HK Blood" mobile app can be downloaded via the following link to locate the nearest donor centres across the city and make a blood donation booking: www5.ha.org.hk/rcbts/mobile-app