The blood processing centre’s operational licence has been renewed after a €750,000 makeover.
The blood donated at the unit in Guardamangia, Gozo and in mobile sessions is taken to the laboratory situated right next to St Luke’s Hospital where it is tested for infectious diseases, passed through quality control and prepared for use.
The blood is then cross-matched for compatibility with patients, including those battling cancer and diseases of the liver and kidneys, as well as those admitted to emergency or undergoing operations, at the Mater Dei Hospital, the Gozo General Hospital and Saint James Hospital.
The premises have now been expanded and are equipped with the latest technology and machines, including one which prepares specific blood products for some conditions like leukaemia.
On average, 50 bags of blood are needed every day
Health Parliamentary Secretary Chris Fearne yesterday inaugurated the renovated centre and presented the renewed operational licence to the director, Alex Aquilina.
The licence meant that the unit has gone through a very rigorous inspection to ensure the highest standards according to EU and national legislation, Mr Fearne said.
He thanked the people at the unit who “work behind the scenes” and those who made an effort to donate blood.
Over the past year, he said, the centre processed about 60 units of blood products every day.
Dr Aquilina said that, despite the recent investment, without donors there would not be any blood to process, so he appealed to people to donate blood. On average, 50 bags of blood are needed every day.
World Blood Donors Day will be held on June 14 when the centre will be holding an awareness raising event in the square in front of St Luke’s.
Men can donate blood up to four times yearly and women up to three times till menopause. Donors, aged between 18 and 68, must produce their identity card and 17-year-olds can download a permission form from www.blood.gov.mt, which would have to be signed by the parents or guardians.
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