The South African National Blood Service has decided to extend its operating hours from Monday (4/3) to Friday (15/3) to allow donors flexibility and to donate at times that are suitable for them.

To accommodate people who are unable to visit during regular operating hours, the majority of donation stations will remain open until 19:00 on weekdays.

“We are excited to extend our operating hours to enhance collection initiatives ahead of school closure and the Easter festivities. The extension is designed to encourage donors nationwide to make use of this opportunity to step forward and donate blood,” said Free State and Northern Cape Head of Donor Relations, Jana Wallace.

‘Hours will be extended till 19:00 on weekdays’

“The Free State and Northern Cape donor centers will be extended until 19:00 on weekdays and 18:00 in Bloemfontein until 15 March. And those who can’t donate can assist SANBS by advocating blood donation and by organising blood drives in their communities.”

School holidays have historically been associated with low stock levels since students make up a sizable portion of the country's donor population. So this extension will assist the SANBS in increasing the collection of blood before the school holidays and the holiday.

The blood stock levels at the moment are standing at 4.2 days for blood group B positive. And at 4.3 days for group O positive. Blood donations should be made frequently as a unit of blood lasts 42 days after donation.

The current blood stock levels. Picture: sanbs.org.za

“With the help of our donors, we will be able to collect sufficient group O blood which represents the universal donor. Group O blood can be given to group A, B, AB, and O patients,” said Wallace.

Donated blood is divided into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, each unit of blood can save at least three lives.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg