Snowball Effect On Blood Collection

NEWS RELEASE
24 August 2004

Snowball Effect On Blood Collection

The New Zealand Blood Service is calling for more donors to step forward and give blood following further disruption to planned blood collection in Dunedin due to snow.

The Otago site, which will be closed for several days this week, also had to close for some of last week due to bad weather.

New Zealand Blood Service chief executive Dr Graeme Benny says the service ideally needs between 150 – 200 new donors to come forward this week to make up the shortfall from Dunedin.

“Our stock level is obviously a little lower than normal and while we can make do, we’d like to make up our weekly requirement by increasing collections from other areas,” Dr Benny said.

“If you have never donated before this is a good time to start and if you have not donated blood for a while this is a great week to come back."

Donor centres in Auckland, Taupo and Christchurch will be having late nights this Thursday to cater for increased donor numbers.

Christchurch
- An extra late night will be held at the Christchurch Blood Donor Centre in Riccarton Road on Thursday this week.

Wellington
- Pop into the Blood Donor Rooms in Hospital Rd Newtown any day this week or give blood at our mobile collection at the National Library this Thursday between 9-00am and 2-30pm.

Auckland
- The Auckland Donor Rooms at 71 Great South Road in Epsom will have late nights, until 8pm, today and Thursday.

Taupo
- Late night 3pm – 7pm on Wednesday at the Great Lakes Centre.

For location and blood collection times in your region, please ring 0800 GIVE BLOOD – 0800 448 325 – or visit www.nzblood.co.nz

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