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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) today (February 18) appealed to the public to donate blood as soon as possible. Due to the cold weather, the number of people giving blood last week was seriously inadequate, resulting in a significant drop in the territory-wide blood inventory to half of normal. In view of the weather forecast this week, the number of donations may continue to drop. The BTS emphasises the need to collect at least 1 000 donations daily in the coming week in order to replenish stocks and not to affect patient treatment.
For the locations and service hours of donor centres, please call 2710 1234 or visit the BTS website www.ha.org.hk/rcbts .
Regular blood donation holds the key to a stable and adequate blood supply. Please act now!
Ends/Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:35
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