Keeping it in stock

Blood donors are being urged to come forward throughout the year to ensure that the hospital never runs out of life-saving stock.

“Whenever we send out a call for donations we always get a great response... It is, however, important that people come throughout the year to ensure we always have a stock,” said Angelo Degiorgio, the manager of the donation area at the Blood Transfusion Centre.

On Sunday the centre issued an urgent appeal for blood explaining that regular donors could not give because of the seasonal influenza. It said that unless the reserve increased by Tuesday morning, a number of patients would be unable to receive blood and some scheduled operations might have to be cancelled.

Mr Degiorgio said the situation was not critical; the centre issued the call when it saw the stocks were dwindling. He explained that the hospital needed about 50 bags of blood a day, each containing 475 millilitres. On an average day, about 30 people make a donation.

When the call for donations was issued, the number of donors shot up. Nathalie Camilleri was one of those who turned up at the donation centre yesterday.

“I’ve been donating blood for about 15 years. I would have donated anyway but the appeal urged me to come today,” she said as she opened and closed her fist while blood was being extracted from her veins.

While Ms Camilleri was making her donation, about 10 people sat in the waiting area.

Graziella Spiteri had never given blood before but decided to do so, along with some of her colleagues, after hearing the appeal on the media.

“I’m a bit excited but it will be alright,” she said as her friend, Stephanie Vella, added: “I’ve done it before. I do it to help. You never know,as one day it might be me or one of my family members who will need blood.”

People who want to donate blood should go to the Blood Transfusion Centre in Guardamangia, which is open daily between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. throughout the year.

Donors should carry their identity card or driving licence and are urged to encourage others to join them.