6 November 2000
Media release
NZBS Appeals For Blood - Growing Concern Over Falling Blood Stocks
The New Zealand Blood Service is issuing an appeal for blood donors. National supplies have been falling since Labour
weekend, and blood usage has been at unusually high levels.
“For several weeks we’ve been using up reserves to meet increasing clinical demand. We’re now at minimum acceptable
levels for Type O and A, and all types are needed. We’ve got to reverse this decline and quickly begin boosting
inventories if NZBS is to be confident of meeting the current demand,” said Dr Peter Flanagan, NZBS National Medical
Director.
“Supplies are only just meeting clinical needs. We need more donors to begin coming in today to enable us to effectively
manage the current situation. We are genuinely concerned about inventory levels of Type O and A, the two most common
groups,” he added.
New donors, lapsed donors and active donors are needed from today. NZBS will work with organisations to arrange a visit
from a Bloodmobile or to have a Blood Service shuttle bus transport donors to and from NZBS centres.
People wanting to donate should ring 0800 GIVEBLOOD (0800 448-325) or visit their local donor centre.
ends
Released for the New Zealand Blood Service by Bill Moore, PRaxis Public Relations.
To arrange interviews, please ring Bill on 025-769-654 or 09 373-5068.