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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) today (January 19) appealed to members of the public to donate blood to replenish the existing low blood inventories, so to ensure adequate blood supply and clinical transfusion treatment of patients.
The BTS spokesperson said that despite the appeal made earlier this month for a daily turnout of 1,100 donors in order to stabilise the blood inventories and supply, there has been a shortfall. While the blood demand remains high, the blood stock has depleted to its new low level, particularly in the B positive and O positive blood groups.
A combination of factors can cause a continued decrease in blood collection to fall short of daily hospital demand. The spokesperson explained that this may be due to the cold weather approaching towards the end of this week, as well as the sharp rise in the number of holidaymakers in the upcoming Lunar New Year holidays. The BTS urges people from all walks of life to join in and support blood donation. Only with the support of regular donation can the BTS be able to steadily provide sufficient blood for chronically and critically ill patients throughout the year.
For locations and service hours of donor centres, please call 2710 1234 or visit the BTS website www.ha.org.hk/rcbts.
Ends/Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Issued at HKT 12:15
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