Parkes blood donors are being urged to honour their appointments to donate blood next week, with up to twenty per cent of Australian donors cancelling their appointments over the summer period.
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Blood Service spokesperson Ronny Maroun says 164 people are booked at Parkes Mobile Blood Service, and is reminding those who are feeling fit and healthy that their donation is very much needed.
“One in five people are likely to cancel or postpone their appointments over the summer months, potentially leaving blood supplies in the lurch,” he said.
“Your donation is so important that it is likely to be ordered by hospitals the same week it is collected.
“Losing a donor at the last minute means we do not have enough time to find another, throwing our forward planning into doubt.”
The Red Cross Blood Service collects 25,000 litres of a blood a week and needs the supply to be consistent, especially with the increased likelihood of road accidents during the holidays.
Mr Maroun said that all Australians expected blood to be available when they needed it.
“Unfortunately there is no substitute for donated blood,” he said.
“Ask yourself this: what if it was your own mum, dad, brother or sister needing blood? Would you give blood to save their lives?”
The Blood Service is also welcoming new donors across the state this week in anticipation of the high number of cancellations – some caused by regular donors being out of town.
To give blood, please call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au
Parkes Mobile Service will be on the corner of Bogan and Dalton Streets between Monday 16 and Wednesday 18 January, and will return 18 to 20 of April, 2017.
