The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations as stock levels across the province continue to drop following disruptions caused by Monday’s Level 8 weather warning.
Several donation clinics were cancelled or temporarily closed due to severe weather conditions, school closures, and access challenges, leaving the service unable to meet hospital demand. WCBS says it needs to collect around 700 units of blood daily to maintain a stable supply.
The service warned that O-negative and O-positive blood groups are currently under the most pressure, with O-positive at a three-day supply and O-negative down to just two days.
Public Relations Manager Marike Carli said winter already places strain on blood availability, with the recent weather worsening the situation.
“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,” Carli said. “The Level 8 weather warning has added additional pressure to an already vulnerable blood supply. We are appealing to all eligible donors to prioritise donating blood this week.”
WCBS confirmed that all donation centres remain open, with any operational changes being communicated directly to donors and via its official channels.
Eligible donors must be between 16 and 75 years old, weigh at least 50kg, and be in good health. Donors are encouraged to eat a proper meal before donating and to increase their fluid intake before and after the process.
The service says each donation takes about 30 minutes and can help save multiple lives in local hospitals.
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