Rockingham blood bank extends hours to meet plasma shortage

Residents are being urged to give the gift of life and donate plasma at Rockingham Donor Centre when it opens for two plasma-only donation days this and next month.

The centre will allow people to book a plasma donation during extended opening hours this Saturday, May 29, and on June 26 from 8am to 12.30pm.

The days are being held in an effort to boost plasma donations and allow more options for donors. Lifeblood spokeswoman Gina Tracey said the Rockingham centre needed more than 200 donors each week to secure enough blood for patients.

“Demand for plasma is at an all-time high, with plasma donations accounting for around half of all donations made in Australia today,” Mrs Tracey said

“Plasma is a powerful part of blood that can be used in 18 different life-giving ways.

“It can take up to 13 plasma donations to make a single dose of some plasma medicines, which is why so many donors are needed.”

Mrs Tracey said locals who had never donated or had not for many years, were especially urged to book a donation. “One in three Australians will need blood in their lifetime, yet only one in 30 currently donates,” she said. “Each donation helps treat people suffering serious burns or cancer, or protects people with brain or blood disorders.”

Donations can be booked through lifeblood.com.au, the Donate Blood app or by calling 13 14 95.

Donors who need to cancel or reschedule are urged to contact Lifeblood as early as possible so another person can be found to take their place.