​The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesman for the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) urgently appealed to the general public today (April 6) to donate blood immediately as there are shortages in the blood inventories of all blood groups. Public support will ensure blood supply and clinical transfusion treatment for patients.
 
     "The BTS sincerely urges people from all walks of life to join in before the Easter holidays. We hope to have at least 1 100 donors daily. As a token of appreciation, every successful donor will be presented with a Blood Buddy Magnetic Writing Board until April 17. The souvenir is available while stocks last," the spokesman said.

     Anyone aged between 16 and 60 (donation is possible up to the age of 70 if predetermined conditions are met), weighing over 41 kilograms and in good health is eligible to give blood. Male and female adult donors aged 18 or above can donate every 75 days and every 105 days respectively. Youths aged 16 and 17 can donate every 150 days.
 
     For the locations and service hours of donor centres, please call 2710 1234 or visit the BTS website www.ha.org.hk/rcbts.

Ends/Thursday, April 6, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:12

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