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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) spokesman today (December 29) appealed to members of the public to donate blood immediately or as soon as possible to ensure normal blood supply.
The spokesman explained that recent cold weather and a sharp increase in the number of people travelling abroad during the Christmas and New Year holiday periods have reduced blood collection amid high blood demand from hospitals. The blood inventories have come down to low levels, which makes it possible that supply may not meet demand.
The BTS hopes to have at least 1 100 blood donors come forward daily within the next two weeks in order to maintain a normal blood supply and increase the blood stock.
A Christmas badge and a multi-purpose luggage tag will be presented to blood donors from now until January 4, 2015. Anyone who is aged between 16 and 60 (donation is possible up to the age of 70 if predetermined conditions are met), weighs over 41 kilograms and is in good health is eligible to give blood. Male and female adult donors aged 18 or above can donate every 75 days and every 105 days respectively. Youths aged 16 and 17 can donate every 150 days. For the locations and service hours of donor centres, please call 2710 1234 or visit the BTS website www.ha.org.hk/rcbts.
Ends/Monday, December 29, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:33
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