Central Victorians urged to book to give blood before the new year begins

The head of the Lifeblood donor centre network Cath Stone said this year's holiday season had been like no other as the number of appointments not being attended reached record highs.

"Donor numbers have plummeted due to a perfect storm of people waiting on COVID-19 test results or quarantining, many being away with the reopening of borders, and donors wanting to spend more time with family and friends," she said.

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"More than half of all appointments are not being attended, which means we need more donors to roll up their sleeves and take the place of those who can't donate."

She said it was critically important that people donate blood between now and the new year, with donor centres open every day.

"In particular we are looking for people with O and A blood types to donate blood," Ms Stone said.

"These blood groups make up nearly 90 per cent of patients in hospital and we need donors of these blood types to donate this week to maintain our supply.

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"With one in three of us needing donated blood in our lifetime, the life you save could be that of a friend or family member."

Ms Stone said maintaining supplies during the festive period was always a seasonal challenge for Lifeblood, but the nation's largest blood donor centres in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne were being particularly affected this season.

"We know that current circumstances can make it difficult for people to give blood, with donors who are waiting on COVID-19 test results or quarantining unable to donate," she said.

"Right now, we need others - in this case people with O and A blood types - to take the place of those who can't donate."

To book a donation call 13 14 95 or visit lifeblood.com.au

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