The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) says the recent weather conditions have placed severe pressure on the service, as it was unable to collect the required number of blood units due to disruptions caused by severe weather, which led to the cancellation or reduction of several donation sessions.

“The Level 8 weather warning has added additional pressure to an already vulnerable blood supply. Several blood donation clinics were cancelled or temporarily closed on Monday and Tuesday due to severe weather conditions, school closures, and venue accessibility challenges,” the WCBS said in a statement.

The WCBS says blood groups O-negative and O-positive are currently under the greatest strain, with O-positive at only a three-day supply and O-negative at just a two-day supply.

“Winter is traditionally a challenging period for maintaining a five-day blood stock level across all blood groups due to colds, flu, and school holidays,” the WCBS added.

The blood service says all blood donation centres across the province are currently open, and appeals to eligible donors to donate blood as the weather clears.

“We are appealing to all eligible donors to make blood donation a priority this week to help ensure blood stocks meet hospital demand,” the WCBS stressed.

For more information or to find your closest blood donation clinic, visit www.wcbs.org.za or send a WhatsApp to 060 549 7244.