Blood stocks under pressure as New Year cancellations rise

LIFEBLOOD is urgently calling on New South Wales residents to help replenish dwindling blood supplies, with 3,100 donors needed this week.

A sharp rise in cancellations during the New Year period has left donation centres struggling to meet demand, with 6,500 appointments cancelled last week – the highest in three years. Another 14,000 people were no-shows or postponed their bookings.

Lifeblood executive director donor experience Cath Stone said the drop in donations came at a critical time.

“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,” Stone said.

“Every day, we are issuing more than 9,500 blood and plasma transfusions and medications to Australian hospitals.

“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.

“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.”

Despite a record-breaking 1.66 million blood donations in 2024, an increase of nearly 30,000 compared to 2023, demand continues to rise, driven by a growing and aging population.

Stone said Lifeblood needed an extra 100,000 Australians to become donors in 2025 to meet demand.

“It could be because someone you know has cancer or because you need a new year’s resolution. It could be because it makes you feel good, or it might even be because of the party pies.

“For every reason to become a donor, there’s an even bigger reason. Life. So please book your donation today.”

To book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au, or use the Donate Blood App.