WC Blood Service calls on public to help keep blood stock supply up

CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape Blood Service is calling on the public to help keep its blood stock supply up throughout the festive season. 

While it welcomed donations of all blood groups, it said that some blood types were constantly demand. 

So far, the service has managed to collect over 140,000 units of blood. 

The Western Cape Blood Service said it tended to experience a drop in blood supply during the holidays.  

With a rise in trauma cases at hospitals, it said it must ensure there’s enough blood supply to accommodate for common incidents.  

The Western Cape Blood Service’s Michelle Vermeulen said the O blood group was usually in high demand, with O minus being a universal blood type compatible with all blood variants.  

"The Western Cape Blood Services encourages all blood donors to give the greatest gift this season - the gift of life."

Vermeulen said one blood donation unit could save up to three lives.