Record cancellations spur urgent call for blood donors

Australia’s blood supply has felt the freeze this winter, with the percentage of people cancelling appointments due to cold and flu symptoms at its highest level in five years.

An average of one in every five blood donors has cancelled or rescheduled their donations due to cold and flu symptoms each week during winter.

This has meant as many as 1,000 donor chairs have sat empty each day due to people calling in sick.

The drop-off prompted Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to urgently call for 8,500 people between Monday this week and Monday, August 26 to help replenish stock.

This includes 4,200 people in Victoria alone.

“After months where cancellation rates due to illness were at their highest, now is the time to enjoy the warm glow that comes with giving blood and saving lives,” Lifeblood director of donor relations Steve Eldridge said.

“As a nation we need thousands of blood and plasma donations every day. Therefore, we need more people to become regular donors.”If more eligible Aussies start donating, especially when our regular donors are off sick, they too might get hooked on that positive feeling that comes from saving lives.

“If you are feeling healthy and well, step up and join the donor movement, and help us fill those empty donor chairs.”

Every week, Australia needs about 33,000 donations to meet demand and Lifeblood will struggle to meet patient needs if cancellations continue and appointments are not filled coming off the back of the colder months when cold and flu rates peak.

Only about 3 per cent of people in Australia donate blood and plasma regularly, but it is estimated up to 57 per cent of the adult population are eligible to donate, which is an extra 10 million people who could roll up their sleeves.

“We know donors feel so disappointed when they have to call in sick for a donation, but for us the most disappointing thing is when empty spots go unfilled especially when we know there are millions of people who could help,” explained Steve.

Knowing when blood is needed is now simpler than ever with the launch of the Lifeblood Blood Supply Update in June.

With the nation’s blood supply levels now available to view in real-time online, it is hoped that more people will donate more often, especially if they know that their specific blood type is needed.

“We rely on the generosity of donors to provide vital blood products to people undergoing cancer treatment, living with blood disorders, needing surgery, or even women giving birth,” Mr Eldridge said.

“You never know when you, or someone you love, might require blood, plasma, or platelets to survive, so make yourself cosy in a donor centre this winter and give someone the gift of life.

“The best way to find out your blood type is to book a donation at your local donor centre.”

Donors who are affected by cold and flu symptoms can give blood at least seven days after making a full recovery.

Anyone who books a donation before September 8 will receive a limited-edition bandage designed by Indigenous artist and two-time Olympian Brad Hore.

The bandage acknowledges the life-changing impacts of a community of giving.

To book a donation, phone 13 14 95, head to lifeblood.com.au or use the DonateBlood app.