By Wardah Wilkinson

Many people are focusing on fancy feasts for the festive season, relaxing, finding the perfect gift for family and friends, and spending time with their loved ones.

Sadly, the festive season is still a season where the day to day demands of life continue, including doctors who selflessly work hard, saving lives and in many cases can only do so with the help of donated blood.

December is normally a difficult time for the South African National Blood Service, as it is difficult collecting blood due to the holidays. They are unable to collect the 700 units of blood needed a day that is needed to treat patients who are terminally ill, and the many trauma incidents in the Western Cape.

“We currently have blood stocks for the next three days, and aim to have at least a five-day supply at all times,” said The Western Cape Blood Transfusion Service PRO Chanel Vermeulen.

‘’We are appealing to everyone in the Western Cape who is able to donate blood to please come and save a life. We are especially in need of people who are O positive, O negative and A positive to donate. We are encouraging people to make their way to donor centres and save 3 lives at no cost,” said Vermeulen.

People don’t want to donate blood as they think it’s only for trauma cases, but that is not the case, blood is needed in hospitals for all sorts of operations and natural birth, she explained.

“To donate blood is pretty easy; anyone who is between the ages of 16 and 65 can donate. This is of they weigh at least 50kg, is medically healthy on the donation day and lead a safe sexual lifestyle. Have a good meal at least 3-4 hours before donating and take it easy on exercising and increase your fluid intake before and after donating,” she explains.

“The listeners can download the free WP Blood App, WP at all IOS and android stores or visit the website on wpblood.org.za, contact us on 021 507 6300 or sms “blood” to 33507. We are on social media.  Please open your heart to saving 3 Lives, being a hero at no cost and donate blood,” she ended.