What’s happening?
Following ex-Cyclone Alfred, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is urgently calling for blood and plasma donations in Toowoomba to tackle a critical shortage affecting Queensland.
Why it matters?
Toowoomba’s hospitals and medical centres rely heavily on consistent blood supplies for critical procedures, including surgeries, cancer treatments, childbirth emergencies, and trauma care. The severe weather from ex-Cyclone Alfred has significantly disrupted these vital supplies.
Local Impact
Toowoomba specifically requires 150 blood and plasma donors this week to stabilise regional healthcare.
The Toowoomba Lifeblood donor centre at 661 Ruthven Street, South Toowoomba, has extended its operating hours to accommodate the urgent need.
Residents are encouraged to immediately schedule an appointment by calling 13 14 95 or visiting the Lifeblood website.
By the numbers:
- National shortage: Lifeblood urgently seeks an additional 6,000 blood and plasma donors nationwide, including 1,500 in Queensland.
- Donor centre closures: Recent severe weather forced the temporary closure of 22 donor centres across Queensland and northern NSW, causing the cancellation of 3,500 donation appointments.
- Daily demand: Australian hospitals require approximately 4,000 blood donations every single day to maintain essential healthcare services.
Zoom In
Lifeblood Spokesperson Belinda Smetioukh highlighted the urgency, explaining, “We pre-emptively sent extra supplies of blood products, including platelets, to hospitals in the impacted region ahead of Alfred landing, but many of those platelets are now close to expiring.”
She further emphasised, “Platelets are used to help people undergoing chemotherapy or to stop bleeding during surgery or after a major trauma.”
Zoom Out
Interstate support from Victoria, New South Wales, and Western Australia has already provided critical relief, underscoring the cooperative national response to Queensland’s urgent blood-supply crisis.
Health Benefits for Donors
Donating blood or plasma not only saves lives but also has tangible health benefits for the donors themselves. Regular donation can help reduce iron build-up in the blood, potentially lowering the risk of heart conditions and improving overall cardiovascular health. Additionally, donating blood can boost mental health through the emotional satisfaction of directly saving lives.
What To Look For Next?
Toowoomba residents are strongly urged to book donation appointments immediately to help replenish local and state-wide supplies. Lifeblood particularly encourages first-time donors to participate, as regular donors recovering from recent donations may not be immediately eligible.
Interested residents can check eligibility and find more information on Lifeblood’s website or by calling 13 14 95.
