The Australian red cross lifeblood service is urgently seeking thousands more blood donors. As appointment cancellations surge to a five-year high.
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00:00Australian Red Cross Lifeblood says as many as 1,000 donor chairs have sat empty due to
00:07people calling in sick during the colder months, sparking an urgent call for more blood donors.
00:13Lifeblood says 1 in 5 people are currently cancelling or rescheduling their appointments
00:17every week, the highest it's been in five years. It says up to 500 blood donors are
00:22needed in South Australia alone, but nationwide about 8,500 people are needed over the next
00:28week to help replenish stock. Lifeblood says Australia needs around 33,000 donations each
00:34week to meet demand, and says it'll struggle to meet patient needs if these cancellations
00:39continue off the back of the colder months when cold and flu rates peak. It's estimated
00:44up to 57% of the adult population are eligible to donate, which is an extra 10 million people
00:51who could be giving blood. And those blood products are vital for people undergoing cancer
00:55treatment, living with blood disorders, needing surgery, or for women giving birth. Lifeblood
01:01says donors who are affected by cold and flu symptoms can give blood at least seven days
01:06after making a full recovery, so it's urging anyone who is eligible to book an appointment
01:11and roll up their sleeves.