The Western Cape Blood Service has issued an urgent appeal for blood donors as stocks reach critically low levels, with O-negative blood supplies down to just one day and O-positive at three days.

The shortage poses a serious risk to patients requiring emergency care, surgeries, cancer treatment, childbirth complications and those with chronic illnesses across the province.

O-negative blood stocks are particularly concerning as this is the universal blood type used in emergency situations when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood group.

“We urgently need blood donors, especially those with O-negative and O-positive blood groups. O-negative blood is particularly critical because it is the universal blood type used in emergency situations when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood group,” says Marike Carli, public relations manager at WCBS.

The blood service aims to maintain a stable five-day blood stock level to ensure hospitals across the Western Cape have sufficient supplies available.

Blood donation takes 30 minutes and one donation can save up to three lives.

Eligible donors must be between 16 and 75 years old, weigh 50kg or more, be in good general health and lead a safe sexual lifestyle.

Those wishing to donate can find their nearest blood donation clinic at www.wcbs.org.za or contact WCBS via WhatsApp on 060 549 7244.

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