Ipswich is facing a critical shortage of blood donors as Queensland struggles to replenish supplies depleted by ex-Cyclone Alfred, prompting an urgent call for donations.
hr>The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood stated that 150 donors are required in Ipswich to help fulfill the increasing needs of local hospitals.
Blood Supplies at Risk After Cyclone Disruptions
Lifeblood is seeking an additional 6,000 donations nationwide, including 1,500 in Queensland, to make up for a significant shortfall caused by severe weather disruptions and an increase in hospital orders.
The closure of 22 donor centres across Queensland and northern New South Wales from Thursday to Sunday, 6 to 9 March, resulted in the cancellation of 3,500 blood donation appointments, with another 330 cancellations on Monday, 10 March.
Hospitals require nearly 4,000 bags of blood daily across Australia for treatments including cancer care, major surgeries, trauma cases, and childbirth complications. With donor numbers still down and road access issues persisting in some areas, Lifeblood is warning that supplies may take weeks to stabilise.
Platelets in High Demand for Cancer and Trauma Patients
Lifeblood is particularly focused on replenishing platelets, a critical blood component with a shelf-life of just five days. The organisation preemptively sent additional blood products, including platelets, to hospitals ahead of ex-Cyclone Alfred’s impact, but many of those supplies are now close to expiring. Platelets are essential for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, trauma victims, and people undergoing major surgeries, making immediate donations crucial.
More Donors Needed to Step Up
Lifeblood spokesperson Belinda Smetioukh said donor numbers have not yet returned to normal, and there is an urgent need for new donors to step up, as many regular donors are ineligible to donate again so soon after recent appeals.
With donor centres in Queensland now reopened, Lifeblood is urging residents in Ipswich and surrounding areas to book appointments as soon as possible. Extra donation slots have been added in other states to compensate for Queensland’s shortfall, but local donations are still essential to maintain steady supplies.
How to Donate
People interested in donating can book an appointment by calling 13 14 95, visiting lifeblood.com.au, or using the Donate Blood App.
Published 12-March-2025