The Western Cape Blood Service is feeling pressure due to the ongoing taxi strike; they are facing a critical shortage of blood and ask that the public donate to help.
Cape Town, South Africa (07 August 2023) – The Western Cape taxi strike is not only affecting commuters in the province but also the blood stocks at the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS). With the ongoing strike, the team is feeling the pressure to keep the province’s supply up and has appealed to donors to please keep them in mind.
“As we head into day 3 of the ongoing taxi strike, our blood stocks are negatively affected. This is mainly due to staff not being able to get to work and some of our blood donation clinics had to close either earlier, or in their entirety over the last few days and we have therefore not been able to collect the target number of units”, says Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager at WCBS.
Currently, there is a critical shortage in the O and B blood groups, with only a 2-day supply left. The A-positive blood stocks are also under pressure as only a 3-day supply remains. WCBS always aims to have a blood stock level of 5 days.
WCBS would like to reiterate that it remains crucial to supply the Western Cape with sufficient, safe blood. The Service, therefore, urges new and regular donors to donate blood as soon as possible. If you are between 16 and 75, weigh 50kg or more, are in good general health, and lead a safe sexual lifestyle, you should be able to donate.
“We would like to reassure the public that we remain fully operational despite the current difficulties. We will be updating any changes such as dates and times to our blood donation clinics on our website and on social media”, Carli added.
For more information, please visit www.wcbs.org.za, the Facebook page or send a WhatsApp to 060 549 7244.
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