Blood donors are wanted

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is seeking more than 50 Peninsula residents to give blood this week after the October long weekend.

Blood supplies can rapidly decline over holiday periods and blood service representative Ms Kristen Schiemer said people were needed to give blood to ensure there was enough blood over the coming weeks for those people who need it.

"Some blood products last for just five days and it is therefore imperative that we boost the blood supplies before and after the holiday weekend," said Ms Schiemer.

"We are encouraging people to come in and give blood before or after they go on holiday to help meet the needs of those people who rely on blood donations for survival or quality of life."

Blood and blood products are used by cancer patients, mums having babies, people undergoing surgery and burns and accident victims.

New and current donors are welcome and are asked to bring photo ID, drink at least four glasses of juice or water and eat a decent meal in the hours before donating.

Appointments can be made by contacting 13 14 95.

The Woy Woy Donor Centre is at Woy Woy Hospital, Ocean Beach Rd, Woy Woy.

The centre will be open on today from 1pm to 7.30pm

Press release, September 27 Kristen Schiemer, Australian Red Cross Blood Service