Blood donors wanted

Woy Woy Blood Service is appealing for donors from the Peninsula as part of the Blood Rush 3000 campaign.

The campaign, which aims to generate 3000 blood donations in three weeks, has been launched by the NSW Red Cross Blood Service to resupply current stocks of blood in NSW which are at critically low levels.

With only three per cent of the population actually donating blood, some elective surgeries across the State may soon have to be cancelled, due to lack of supply.

The Woy Woy blood service, which is open Tuesdays 2 to 7:30pm and Wednesdays 9 to 2:30pm is expecting a large turnout of donors in response to the Blood Rush 3000 appeal.

Manager of Gosford Blood Service, Ms Rachelle Norton, said that the Woy Woy service could get busy, and so people should make an appointment.

"We always get a good response from the people of Woy Woy."

The service usually takes donations from 20 to 30 donors during its Tuesday operations, but has taken up to 42 donors in one night.

Wednesdays are less busy, usually taking only 10 to 15 donations.

Ms Norton said that there were no risks involved with donating blood as long as people drank plenty of water and had a good meal before donating.

She warned that caffeinated drinks should not be consumed, as they contributed to dehydration.

"Every caffeinated drink requires one and half glasses of water."

The blood service is appealing for donations from any fit and healthy persons from 16 to 70 years of age and of any blood type.

Ms Norton said that a lot of people who thought they were not eligible to donate actually were and should check with the blood service.

Those who have suffered chicken pox or shingles in the last 12 months often thought they should not donate, but in fact, their blood was valuable as it could be used in immunisations.

As well, those on blood pressure medication could donate as long as their condition was under control.

However, those with cardiac problems were not eligible.

The blood rush campaign will run until the end of June.

Appointments can be made by calling 131 495, by logging onto www.bloodrush3000.com or by phoning Gosford blood service on 4320 3401.

Alison Branley, June 19.