Record cancellations at the state’s blood bank prompt urgent calls for donations

Queensland blood donors are cancelling at the highest rate in five years as another perfect health storm sweeps the state.

Riley Phillips, 9, has been received almost 200 donations in his lifetime. Picture: Josh Woning

Queensland blood bank has recorded the highest rate of cancellations by donors in five years due to cold and flu symptoms as cases continue to surge.

The state has recorded 62,611 influenza cases and 52,452 Covid-19 cases in this year’s flu wave leading to an urgent call for those who are healthy and fit to boost the supply by 1000 over the next week to replenish stock.

In the last week, 317 people were in hospital with influenza, 177 were aged 65 years or more and 34 were under the age of 18.

Of the 5092 people diagnosed in the last week, 583 were aged 65 years or more.

Lifeblood spokeswoman Belinda Smetioukh said after months of cancellations Queensland is in need of blood and plasma donations urgently.

Every week, Australia needs around 33,000 donations to meet demand and Lifeblood will struggle to meet patient needs if cancellations continue and appointments aren’t filled coming off the back of the months when cold and flu rates peak. Just over 3 per cent of people in Australia donate blood and plasma regularly, however it’s estimated up to 57 per cent of the adult population are eligible to donate, which is an extra 10 million people who could roll up their sleeves.

“We know donors feel so disappointed when they have to call in sick for a donation, but for us the most disappointing thing is when empty spots go unfilled, especially when we know there are millions of people who could help,” Ms Smetioukh said.

Blood types A+, A-, O and O- are at low supply levels in Queensland currently, Ms Smetioukh said people undergoing cancer treatment, living with blood disorders, needing surgery, or even women giving birth rely on blood donations.

Riley Phillips, 9, with mother Britney Chiron-Ball. Picture: Josh Woning

Donors who are affected by cold and flu symptoms can give blood at least seven days after making a full recovery.

Britney Chiron-Ball has needed constant blood donations for her son Riley Phillips, 9, since he was in utero, when he was diagnosed with congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia, a rare blood disorder.

“It’s quite rate, I only know of three other people in Australia that have the condition. Riley’s bone marrow essentially doesn’t work, it functions at a 20 per cent capacity, which does not create enough blood to support his body. So without donations, he wouldn’t be here,” Ms Chiron-Ball.

She said Riley has received almost 200 donations, and the last donation was a bone marrow procedure and it has cured him.

“We are now on the other side of it all, and it wouldn’t have been possible without all the amazing donors in this country and the world.”

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said donors will receive a text telling where their donations are going.

“After you give blood, you’ll receive a text telling you that your blood is on its way to help save a life and what hospital it’s going to,” Ms Fentiman said.

In Queensland there are currently 106,262 blood and plasma donors across the state and in the past year over 215,000 fresh blood products were delivered to hospitals and health care providers.

Originally published as Record cancellations at the state’s blood bank prompt urgent calls for donations