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

Public urged to donate blood as inventories run low

The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) today (28 January) urgently appealed to members of the public to donate blood as the blood inventories have depleted to very low levels, with only three days' stock. The BTS urges all sectors of the community to support blood donation with immediate action to maintain a stable blood supply for clinical transfusion to patients.

Under the pressure of pandemic and previous cold weather threats, as well as cancellations of mobile blood donation services to corporate settings and schools, the number of blood collection has been consistently low since the beginning of January. Only around 300-400 units of blood are collected on average per day, which is not sufficient to meet the daily blood demand from local hospitals. Public hospitals, in the midst of winter surge, require large amount of blood products for clinical transfusion. A sufficient blood supply is crucial at the Accident & Emergency Departments, treating critical illnesses such as organ transplants and emergency operations, as well as to meet blood demand from thalassaemia and blood cancer patients. 

The blood inventories must be duly replenished to tackle the low blood supply during the current winter surge and serve patients in need throughout the Lunar New Year holiday. In addition to Blood Donor Centres, the BTS has also received support from various organizations to provide venues for mobile blood donation service (see attached schedule). For details:

https://www5.ha.org.hk/rcbts/mobile-schedule?lang=en   

The BTS follows stringent measures to safeguard blood safety and infection control. 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 “HK Blood” mobile app. Download the “HK Blood” mobile app to locate the nearest donor centres across the city and make blood donation appointment: https://www5.ha.org.hk/rcbts/hkblood-intro?lang=en

     As a token of thanks, from today to 11 February, every blood donor who donates successfully at donor centres or the blood donation vehicle will receive a Red Packet Pouch set (a pouch with a pack of 10 red packets). Souvenir is available on a first-come, first-served basis, while stocks last.