Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has been forced to close 22 donor centres across Queensland and Northern NSW due to the cyclone. The Parramatta donation centre is at 22 – 30 Oak St, Rosehill.
The impacted centres are in Brisbane CBD, Chermside, Ipswich, Maroochydore, Nambour, Robina, Southport, Springwood, Strathpine, Toowoomba, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg, Harvey Bay and Lismore. Six regional mobile centres have also been shut.
Executive Director of Donor Experience, Cath Stone said the safety of donors and staff was Lifeblood’s utmost priority.
“We do not want anyone putting themselves in danger during this weather event. We are calling on people in other parts of the country to step up and book a donation so we can make up this shortfall.
“Blood is a critical resource and there are patients across Australia, including in impacted areas, who are reliant on blood and plasma donations.”
She said additional blood supplies were pre-emptively sent to hospitals in affected areas to counter any possible impact on blood delivery services with further stocks sent from unaffected states.
“We’ve been working closely with hospitals this week to ensure they had enough stock before the cyclone arrived.
“We’re a national organisation and can move blood around as needed, but we can’t replenish stocks without people donating.
“There may be people out there thinking, 'How can I help?’ Donating blood ensures that patients in these communities get the medical treatment they need,” Cath added.
Lifeblood will continue to monitor the situation in Queensland. The safety of donors and staff remains the priority while working to get donor centres back up and running.
“We know people’s routines are going to be impacted for some time, so we again ask people in other parts of the country to roll up their sleeves and help make up the donations we’ve lost this week in Queensland,” Cath said.
Lifeblood’s thoughts are with everyone affected by the flooding.
To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit www.lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood App.
