Lifeblood centre extends hours

LIFEBLOOD is introducing longer mid-week operating hours at its Ballarat Donor Centre, providing the community with a greater opportunity to save lives through blood and plasma donation.

The extended hours come at an important time, with colds and flu expected to lead to more donation cancellations and postponements in the coming months.

The centre is now open from 7.30am to 7.30pm on Wednesdays, an extra 4.5 hours, and Thursday hours will change from late June.

Lifeblood spokesperson Ashbyi Randall said the need for blood doesn’t stop, with one donation required every 18 seconds across Australia.

“We know the Ballarat community is incredibly generous, and we hope these new hours will make it even more convenient to roll up a sleeve to donate,” Ms Randall said.

“The change will introduce 40 extra appointments.

“That is a wonderful incentive, particularly for people who would like to become a donor but have previously struggled to find a suitable time.

“What could be better than putting your feet up and saving lives at the same time?”

That sentiment is echoed by Phil Greenbank from the Creswick CFA, who has been donating since he was 22 and recently notched up 650 donations.

“If your blood or plasma can help others, why wouldn’t you give it,” Mr Greenbank said.

“I enjoy giving back to the community. “I also enjoy coming to the Ballarat Donor Centre for a chat with the friendly team.”

The demand for blood and blood products is at its highest in a decade and that need is expected to continue growing as our population grows and ages.

Cancer treatment, emergency surgery, road trauma and bleeding during childbirth are some of the most common uses for donated blood in Australia. Each donation can save up to three lives.

A blood donation appointment takes around an hour, with the donation itself only lasting five to 10 minutes.

People donating plasma should set aside 90 minutes.

“Every donation provides hope to patients and their families. We hope to see you at Lifeblood’s Ballarat Donor Centre or any of our other Victorian centres soon,” Ms Randall said.

The Ballarat Blood Donor Centre is located at 601-603 La Trobe St, Ballarat and is open six days a week.

Find out more more about donating blood and plasma at lifeblood.com.au.

To book a donation, call 13 14 95 or book online at lifeblood.com.au or on the Donate Blood app.