Urgent appeal for blood donation
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The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) today (January 9) appealed to members of the public to donate blood as the inventories for all blood types have been depleted to an alarming level amid persistent high demand from local hospitals. The blood inventories must be duly replenished so that a stable blood supply can be maintained for timely clinical transfusion treatment of patients.
The service hours of the Causeway Bay, Tsuen Wan and Kwun Tong Donor Centres have been extended to 8pm to facilitate blood donation by members of the public. Details of the centres are as follows:
* Causeway Bay Donor Centre
Address: 14/F, Plaza 2000, 2-4 Russell Street, Causeway Bay
Service hours: 11am to 8pm from Monday to Sunday and on public holidays
* Tsuen Wan Donor Centre
Address: 8 Tai Ho Road, Tsuen Wan
Service hours: 11am to 8pm from Monday to Sunday and on public holidays
* Kwun Tong Donor Centre
Address: Units 2301 and 2316, 23/F, Millennium City 5, Kwun Tong Road
Service hours: 11am to 8pm from Monday to Sunday and on public holidays
The spokesperson pointed out that the number of blood donors has not reached the daily target of 1 100 for a very long period and there has even been distinct variation in figures for certain days. The recent Christmas and New Year long holidays have reduced the desire of blood donors to donate blood and hence the amount of blood collected has been far from satisfactory. Since the occupancy rate of medical wards in public hospitals has been increasing, the blood demand is now at a very high level and the blood supply is under enormous pressure. The BTS urges all sectors in the community to support blood donation immediately by taking action.
Anyone who is aged between 16 and 66 (donation is possible up to the age of 76 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.
Please visit the BTS website at www.ha.org.hk/rcbts or call 2710 1234 for details of donor centres.
Ends/Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Issued at HKT 17:22
Issued at HKT 17:22
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