What’s happening?
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is urgently appealing for Mackay residents to donate blood and plasma following significant supply disruptions caused by ex-Cyclone Alfred, severely impacting blood stocks across Queensland.
Why it matters?
Local hospitals and emergency services in Mackay rely on stable blood and platelet supplies to treat patients in critical situations, including major surgeries, trauma incidents, childbirth complications, and cancer therapies. The recent disruptions caused by ex-Cyclone Alfred have put these medical services at significant risk due to shortages.
Local Impact
Mackay currently faces an immediate need for 150 blood and plasma donors to stabilise blood supplies in the region.
Mackay’s Lifeblood donor centre, located at 143 Sydney Street, has increased appointment availability to handle the urgent demand. Donors are encouraged to book appointments immediately by calling 13 14 95 or visiting Lifeblood’s website.
By the numbers:
- Lifeblood urgently requires 6,000 additional donors nationally, with 1,500 specifically needed in Queensland.
- The temporary closure of 22 donor centres across Queensland and northern NSW resulted in 3,500 cancelled appointments.
- Approximately 4,000 blood donations per day are necessary across Australia to meet routine medical demands.
Zoom In
Lifeblood Spokesperson Belinda Smetioukh 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 noted: “Platelets are crucial for patients undergoing chemotherapy, surgeries, and managing severe trauma.”
Zoom Out
To support Queensland during this crisis, blood products have already arrived from interstate, including Victoria, New South Wales, and Western Australia, showcasing a coordinated national effort to address the immediate needs.
What To Look For Next?
Residents of Mackay, particularly first-time donors, are encouraged to schedule urgent blood donation appointments immediately. Lifeblood emphasises the ongoing need for community support to maintain supplies over coming weeks.
