THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL (QEH) is once again sending out an SOS for blood donations.
In a press release, the QEH’s communication specialist Carolyn Williams-Gayle said that a few people had responded to an urgent request for blood donation a few weeks ago, but the response was low and the hospital’s supply of blood types “O” Positive and “A” Positive was still inadequate.
She said the request inevitably was lost as it came in the midst of people preparing for the Christmas season, adding that the need for blood never ends.
“It is estimated that more than 60 per cent of the population will needa transfusion at some point in their lifetime, whether for a cardiac patient, newborn baby, trauma victim, or family member in need,a donation of blood goes towards helping to save a life,” she pointed out.
“If you have never given blood before or have not given in a while, we definitely need you now,”she said.
“Giving blood is a simple process that takes about an hour from start to finish. You register and read over some required material, then you will give your health history. You will be asked a series of questions to see if you can give that day. The actual donation itself only takes about 10to 15 minutes.”
The Blood Collecting Centre is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondayto Friday and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays.
