Emergency appeal for blood donation amid alarming inventory level (with photo)
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The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) today (January 26) urgently appealed to members of the public to donate blood as the inventories for all blood types have been depleted to an alarming level. More donors are required to maintain a normal supply for clinical transfusion for patients.
The spokesperson pointed out that during the winter surge period, the admission rates of public hospitals have increased significantly and blood demand has remained very high. Low temperature and seasonal influenza have caused a substantial increase in temporary deferral of unwell donors. The number of blood donors has not reached the daily target of 1 100 for a very long period. Due to the cold weather approaching towards next week, a further drop in blood collection is forecast. The BTS urges all sectors in the community to support blood donation immediately by taking action.
The service hours of the Causeway Bay, Tsuen Wan and Kwun Tong Donor Centres have been extended to 8pm to facilitate blood donation by members of the public. Details of the centres are as follows:
* Causeway Bay Donor Centre
Address: 14/F, Plaza 2000, 2-4 Russell Street, Causeway Bay
Service hours: 11am to 8pm, from Monday to Sunday and on public holidays
* Tsuen Wan Donor Centre
Address: 8 Tai Ho Road, Tsuen Wan
Service hours: 11am to 8pm, from Monday to Sunday and on public holidays
* Kwun Tong Donor Centre
Address: Units 2301 and 2316, 23/F, Millennium City 5, Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong
Service hours: 11am to 8pm, from Monday to Sunday and on public holidays
All donors who donate blood will be presented with a pack of trendy lai see packets while stocks last.
Please visit the BTS website www.ha.org.hk/rcbts or call 2710 1234 for details of donor centres.
Ends/Friday, January 26, 2018
Issued at HKT 17:35
Issued at HKT 17:35
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