The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) today (July 28) urgently appealed to members of the public to donate blood as the blood inventories have been depleted to very low levels, with only three to four days' stock. The blood inventories must be duly replenished to maintain a stable blood supply for clinical transfusion to patients.

     Blood collection has dropped significantly amid the impact of the epidemic. Recently, the BTS could only collect around 200 units of blood on average each day. The stock level cannot meet the daily blood demand for local hospitals. A sufficient blood supply is crucial in Accident and Emergency Departments of different hospitals, and to facilitate clinical transfusion for treating critical illness such as in organ transplants and emergency operations, as well as to meet blood demand from thalassaemia and blood cancer patients. The BTS urges all sectors of the community to support blood donation with immediate action.

     The BTS follows stringent measures to safeguard blood safety and infection control. Its blood collection sites are thoroughly disinfected and donors are required to put on masks, check their temperature and sanitise their hands before entering the donation areas. Blood donors are advised to make appointments by calling the BTS donor centres or via the "HK Blood" mobile app to prevent crowds from gathering.

Details of donor centres: www.ha.org.hk/rcbts
Download "HK Blood": www5.ha.org.hk/rcbts/mobile-app

     As a token of thanks, every blood donor who donates successfully from today to August 2 will receive a healthy snack combo, which comprises a vitamin C-rich bottled juice and two iron-rich nut bars (www5.ha.org.hk/rcbts/news/news20200722).

Ends/Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Issued at HKT 16:42

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