Blood Bank in need of all blood types as donations dip

The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) is in urgent need of all blood types.

NBTS Director Dr. Pedro Lewis in a telephone interview yesterday with Stabroek News emphasised the need for persons to continue to donate blood to the national blood bank.

“There are multiple pregnant mothers who are in need of blood, and we must not forget that accidents are still occurring’, he told Stabroek News, while noting the decline in donations.

He further explained that he understands the concerns that voluntary donors have because of the COVID-19 pandemic but would like to assure the public that it is safe to donate blood.

He added that the blood bank’s staff is taking all necessary precautions to stay safe. He added that while the NBTS is practicing social distancing with voluntary donors, they should bring face masks and sanitizers when they visit.

Lewis further informed this newspaper that all collection sites are currently open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5.30 pm, and on Saturdays from 9 am to 3pm. Some of the collection sites outside of Georgetown include Suddie Hospital, West Demerara Hospital, New Amsterdam Hospital, the Lethem and the Linden Hospital