New centre aims to raise blood levels

A NEW blood donor centre has been opened at Springwood.
The new centre has the capacity to collect thousands more donations each year, helping Australian Red Cross Lifeblood keep up with growing demand for blood.
It is expected that the centre, on Barbarella Drive, will collect 22,000 donations, saving the lives of up to 66,000 patients.
Opening last Friday, it coincided with International Plasma Week.
A representative of Lifeblood said patient need for plasma – a life-saving blood product – was reaching record levels.
Up to 5000 plasma medicines and transfusions are distributed to patients nationally every day.
Blood Service spokesperson Belinda Smetioukh said she hoped the new centre’s convenient location, state-of-the-art-facilities and free on-site donor parking will encourage new donors to get their generosity flowing.
“The new Springwood Donor Centre is not only bigger, but it also has the potential to collect thousands more donations than the previous centre, helping to keep up with patient demand.
“The Centre’s prime location and on-site donor parking will make donating easier for hundreds of workers, shoppers, students and visitors.”
Located just a few minutes away from the previous location, the centre features an all-new design focused on enhancing the donor experience.
“Giving blood and saving lives is simple, it only takes an hour of your time, and every donation saves three lives,” Ms Smetioukh said.
To book a donation, visit lifeblood.com.au or phone 131 495.