What’s Happening?
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has urgently called on Townsville residents to donate blood and plasma this week due to critical shortages caused by disruptions from ex-Cyclone Alfred.
Why it Matters?
Hospitals and medical centres in Townsville rely heavily on regular blood supplies for emergency surgeries, cancer treatments, childbirth, trauma incidents, and other essential medical procedures. Disrupted donations significantly threaten patient care.
Local Impact
Townsville has an immediate need for 150 additional blood and plasma donors this week. With local supply severely impacted, these donations are essential to stabilise health services at Townsville University Hospital and other regional health facilities.
Residents can book appointments at the local Lifeblood Donor Centre located at 100 Angus Smith Drive, Douglas. Immediate action is encouraged through Lifeblood’s hotline (13 14 95) or via the Lifeblood website or app.
By the numbers:
- Lifeblood urgently seeks 6,000 extra blood donors nationwide, with 1,500 specifically needed across Queensland.
- 22 donor centres across Queensland and northern NSW were forced to temporarily close due to ex-Cyclone Alfred, causing 3,500 cancelled donor appointments.
- Nearly 4,000 blood donations are required daily across Australia to meet regular hospital needs.
Zoom In
Lifeblood Spokesperson Belinda Smetioukh highlighted the urgent situation:
“We pre-emptively sent extra supplies of blood products, including platelets, to hospitals in the impacted region ahead of Alfred landing, but many of those platelets are now close to expiring.”
She further added: “Platelets are essential to help people undergoing chemotherapy or to stop bleeding during surgery or after major trauma.”
Zoom Out
Supplies from interstate—Victoria, New South Wales, and Western Australia—have already been dispatched to Queensland. Demonstrating a coordinated nationwide effort to assist affected areas, including Townsville.
What To Look For Next?
Townsville residents, including first-time donors, are strongly encouraged to book immediate donation appointments to support local health services during this critical period.
