What’s happening?
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has launched an urgent appeal calling on Brisbane residents to donate blood and plasma following critical shortages caused by ex-Cyclone Alfred. The cyclone severely disrupted blood supply and donor services across Queensland.
Why it matters?
Reliable blood supply is essential for Brisbane hospitals and health services, directly affecting their capacity to deliver essential treatments. Blood products are vital for surgeries, trauma care, cancer treatments, childbirth, and managing serious medical conditions. Without immediate donations, patient lives and healthcare services could be significantly compromised.
Local Impact
Brisbane currently faces an urgent demand, with at least 650 additional blood and plasma donors required immediately to restore stable supply levels. Lifeblood donor centres throughout Brisbane, including Brisbane City, Chermside, Springwood, and Carindale, are expanding appointment availability to urgently accommodate the influx of donors needed.
Appointments can be easily scheduled via the Lifeblood website, the Donate Blood app, or by calling 13 14 95.
By the numbers:
- Urgent national appeal: Lifeblood needs 6,000 extra blood donors nationwide, including a critical requirement for 1,500 in Queensland alone.
- Service disruptions: Ex-Cyclone Alfred caused the closure of 22 donor centres across Queensland and northern NSW, resulting in 3,500 cancelled appointments.
- Daily hospital demand: Australian hospitals require around 4,000 blood donations each day to provide routine and emergency care.
Zoom In
Belinda Smetioukh, Lifeblood spokesperson, stressed the urgency, stating, “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 explained, “Platelets have a shelf-life of just five days after testing and are vital in treatments for cancer patients, surgery patients, and trauma victims, making fresh donations critical.”
Zoom Out
The immediate response to Queensland’s blood supply shortage has included coordinated interstate support. Victoria, New South Wales, and Western Australia have already dispatched blood products to Queensland hospitals. This cooperation underscores a nationwide effort to ensure that Queensland, including Brisbane, can continue providing critical healthcare without interruption.
Health Benefits for Donors
Donating blood and plasma not only supports the community but also offers health benefits to donors. Regular blood donation can reduce excess iron levels in the bloodstream, potentially decreasing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, the emotional satisfaction of donating blood contributes positively to mental health and wellbeing.
What to Look For Next?
Lifeblood strongly urges Brisbane residents, especially first-time donors, to immediately book appointments to assist in replenishing urgently needed blood supplies. Due to recent donations, many regular donors may temporarily be ineligible, highlighting the importance of new donors stepping forward.
Potential donors can verify their eligibility and find local Brisbane donor centre information on Lifeblood’s official website or by calling 13 14 95.
