CANCELLATIONS and no shows have been on the rise for blood donations.

To meet demand Lifeblood now needs an extra 3000 donors over the next fourteen days.

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Lifeblood’s call out is urgent and they remind people to please keep their appointments to ensure their life saving work.

The lifting of lockdowns in New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT has resulted in many roadside traumas.

Police have reported a spike in road trauma.

Surgeries have also recommenced with the lifting of lockdown and the urgency for increased blood stocks is immediate.

Lifeblood’s Executive Director of Donor Services, Cath Stone, said half of all blood donation appointments were not being attended, while hospital demand was at its highest point in a decade.

“Our donors have shown us incredible support over the last two years, however as life moves to COVID-normal, it’s important that people continue to donate to help ensure hospitals can continue to treat patients,” she said.

Lifeblood is asking people to make saving lives part of their new normal.

“There is no alternative for patients in need of blood and we’d like to remind donors, and anyone who has thought about becoming a donor, just how critical they are,” she added.

In particular, Lifeblood’s reserves of O Negative blood are being challenged, with the number of O Negative donors falling during the pandemic despite increased hospital demand.

O Negative is the universal blood type and can be given to anyone in an emergency like those involved in road accidents, when there simply isn’t time to find out their blood type.

Ms Stone said, “Only nine per cent of Australians have O Negative blood, but it makes up sixteen percent of orders from hospitals because it saves lives in emergencies.

“We currently have one thousand fewer active O Negative donors than we did over a year ago and we would particularly like to welcome those previous donors back to our donor centres.

“We have extended opening hours in our centres and have more appointments available for donors than ever before.

“If you are feeling well, not waiting on a COVID-19 test and haven’t been told to isolate, please book a donation,” she said.

“With one in three of us needing donated blood or blood products in our lifetime, the life you save could be that of a friend or family member,” Ms Stone added.

To book a donation visit lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95 or download the free DonateBlood App.

By Sandra MOON