Last week, the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood centres in South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales faced significant closures as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred approached the coastline, leading to a dramatic decline in blood supplies. In response, Lifeblood is urgently seeking an additional 6,000 blood donations by the end of this week to restore its vital stock.
According to Acting Chief Executive Stuart Chesneau, the organisation is particularly in need of platelets, which are derived from blood donations and have a short shelf life of just five days post-testing. Lifeblood proactively dispatched extra blood products, including platelets, to hospitals in anticipation of the cyclone. However, many of these supplies are now nearing expiration and require replenishment.
The cyclone’s impact caused the cancellation of around 3,500 blood donation appointments over four days and a further 330 cancellations recently. Chesneau urged first-time donors to come forward and assist in alleviating the shortage. He explained that the combination of a donation shortfall and the pre-emptive distribution of blood products has created an urgent need for fresh supplies across the nation.
He invited anyone eligible to donate to make an appointment, emphasising the necessity for new donors as regular donors may be ineligible to donate for some time. “It’s crucial we engage new donors to help us navigate the challenges in the coming weeks,” Chesneau stated.
On average, hospitals require approximately 4,000 bags of blood daily to support patients undergoing surgeries, cancer treatments, trauma victims, and mothers in labour. While many donor centres in Queensland are now operational again following the cyclone, Lifeblood anticipates that it may take time before donation levels stabilise.
Individuals are encouraged to contact their local blood donation centre or schedule an appointment online to contribute to this critical cause.