Appeal for blood donation after extreme weather conditions as stocks run low to four-day Level

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     With the extreme conditions caused by recent adverse weather as well as the typhoon last week, blood collection services were severely affected. The spokesperson of the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) today (September 9) urgently appeals to members of the public to donate blood as the inventories have been depleted to a very low level, with only four days of stock. The blood collection service has resumed normal and the BTS urgently appeals to donors, especially Type O, to come forward for blood donation in order to facilitate clinical transfusions of patients in need.
      
     As a token of thanks, every blood donor who donates successfully at donor centre or mobile donation vehicle during September 9 to 15 will receive a "Captain Blood Denim Cooler Bag" (see Annex), while stocks last.
      
     Members of the public aged between 16 and 65 (donation is possible up to the age of 75 if predetermined conditions are met), weighing 41 kilograms or above and in good health are eligible to give blood. The BTS reminds donors to make appointment by calling the BTS donor centres, booking online or via the "HK Blood" mobile apps. For details, please visit www.ha.org.hk/rcbts.