In the last month alone more than a quarter of blood donation bookings have gone unfulfilled in Orange, with a whopping 28 per cent of people either cancelling their appointment or not showing up at all.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That rate lifts to more than one third nationally, with 44,000 donor couches left empty around the country, an alarming statistic as the demand for blood products has increased as the COVID-19 pandemic has eased.
To combat what he labelled a potential case of 'extended Monday-itis' as people have returned to life as usual, Lifeblood Group Accounts Manager John Feist said the Orange Donor Centre will be providing an extra opportunity for collection.
We need around 800 donations every month in Orange to help new mums, those battling cancer, treat trauma victims and many others (who are) seriously ill.
- Lifeblood Group Accounts Manager John Feist
"We'll be opening Orange Donor Centre on Saturday, May 29," he explained, before outlining the demand for blood products in the city.
"We need around 800 donations every month in Orange and the region to help new mums, those battling cancer, treat trauma victims and many others (who are) seriously ill.
"Locally, we've seen around 16 per cent of donors cancelling their appointment and 12 per cent not showing, which means we are seeing more than a quarter of couches going unfilled when they normally would be."
Mr Feist admitted to being at somewhat of a loss to explain this year's decline, considering the typical factor impacting donation rates in Autumn hasn't been as severe in 2021.
"Cold and flu cases are significantly down on previous, non-pandemic years, which would usually explain such rates at this time of year. We're unsure as to why this is happening," he said.
"With restrictions now eased and borders open again, we're lucky Australia is through the worst of it but this does also mean our hospitals are back to business as usual and demand is up.
"We are asking people please don't forget to cancel your appointment if you can't make it, so we can find someone to take your place."
Should anyone need extra motivation on top of potentially saving up to three lives with a single donation, Mr Feist explained the Claret Cup challenge between regional sporting clubs is being contested until May 31.
Orange Emus and Orange City rugby clubs are contesting the event, which was extended in recent years and now includes Barnstoneworth United Football Club, Orange Tiger Australian Rules Football Club and the Pinnacle Dragon Boat Club.
CSU Bathurst and Bulldogs rugby clubs are also involved, as is Bathurst St Pat's Rugby League Club.
As it stands Emus lead the competition with 97 total donations which equates to 291 lives saved, with Orange City not far behind on 75 donations and 225 lives saved.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the Claret Cup challenge needs only inform the Donor Centre staff when they book in for their appointment.
Donors can call the centre book in on 13 14 95 or head online to book.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.centralwesterndaily.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
HAVE YOUR SAY
- Send us a letter to the editor using the form below ...
Matt Findlay
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
