Bendigo Donor Centre joins push for more blood and plasma to keep supplied up

Lifeblood is making a twin appeal to both boost supplies now and coming into the Easter period, which is often one of the most challenging times of the year for the organisation.

Bendigo Lifeblood spokesperson Shae Burns said there were plenty of times open for people to book in for donations.

"Right now, we need 3600 additional people (Australia-wide) to donate blood over the next week, in particular people who are A, B and O Positive and universal O Negative," she said.

"In Bendigo, we need an extra 70 donors this week with many appointments available for Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25."

MORE NEWS: City scoops national tourism awards for Elvis-inspired tourism campaign

Lifeblood executive director Cath Stone said despite the recent record numbers of people donating blood and plasma, demand from hospitals is at its highest level in almost a decade.

"We now have more donors than at any point in the past 10 years, however demand for all blood groups, especially O Negative, continues to increase as hospitals catch up on surgeries post-pandemic," she said.

Ms Stone said donors of all blood types were needed every day of the year, but the blood groups being called for make up about 90 per cent of the Australian population.

"In particular, O Negative has the universal blood type and is used to treat patients when their blood type is unknown," she said.

OTHER STORIES:

"It's often stocked in ambulances and rescue helicopters to be used for trauma patients who can require huge quantities in a short amount of time.

"Fewer than seven per cent of the Australian population is O Negative, making it one of the rarer blood types, however its versatility means it makes up 16 per cent of the blood ordered by hospitals."

To donate, visit a Lifeblood Blood Donor Centre or book by visiting lifeblood.com.au, download the Donate Blood app or call 13 14 95.

The Bendigo Donor Centre is located at 6-8 High Street, Bendigo and open a variety of hours between Monday and Saturday.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: