Following the introduction of strict social distancing measures across Australia and New Zealand, health providers expressed concern at the decline of people attending important medical appointments. In March 2020, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood reported a significant drop in blood donations, prompting it to take immediate action. Lifeblood Medical Director, Dr James Daly explains how Lifeblood responded during this critical time.
“Due to its short shelf life, blood cannot be stockpiled and the need for blood donations remains crucial during lockdown. Many people regularly require blood transfusions to help treat their medical conditions, or during cancer treatment and emergencies. In fact, one in three people will need blood or blood products in their lifetime, but only one in 30 donates. In Australia, this blood supply relies on the generosity of donors who volunteer their time and blood.
“Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic coincided with an initial spike in donors cancelling appointments. At one stage in March, we were seeing an average of 900 appointments being cancelled across Australia each day. Considering the fact that 29,000 donations are required each week in order to meet demand, we knew that we had to act quickly to try and reverse this trend,” said Dr Daly.
Blood and plasma donation is considered an essential health service, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, therefore it is excluded from any restrictions to movement. Blood donor centres remain open across the country and Lifeblood is encouraging donors who are healthy and well and under 70 years of age to consider donating.
“Using all available platforms, Lifeblood called on all donors who were fit and well to keep their appointments, and for all others who met the criteria to consider donating. By working closely with governments, we also reminded people that blood and plasma donations remain an essential service and are therefore permissible during lockdown. The only exception is to donors over the age of 70 who have been advised by Government to stay at home and self-isolate for their own protection. We strongly encourage them to follow this advice.
“Since our appeal for donors in March, we had an incredible response; the Australian public overwhelmingly responded and rolled up their sleeves to support Australian patients. In April alone, every state across the country had either their highest or second highest plasma collection day on record. In addition, we saw a decline in cancellations and our donor centres are now well booked over the next few weeks meaning we are in the fortunate position of heading into winter with strong appointment bookings across the country,” said Dr Daly.
In addition to strict eligibility requirements, Lifeblood has introduced Wellness Checks to its donor centres which carefully evaluate whether someone is well enough to enter. Donors are triaged prior to checking in for their appointment and are asked questions about their wellbeing, recent travel, and if they’ve been diagnosed with COVID-19 or in close contact with someone who has. If responses are in line with the eligibility criteria, they proceed to a non-contact temperature check. Anyone with a fever is postponed from donating.
“At Lifeblood, the health and safety of our staff and donors is our number one priority. Our donor centres are strictly regulated spaces, so we have always adhered to strict sanitation protocols and have now increased these even more, as well as introducing the new Wellness Checks and social distancing.”
“Even with such a wonderful response to our campaign, it is important to remember that the need for blood is ongoing. We still need to collect 29,000 donations every week to help meet the needs of cancer patients, trauma victims, pregnant women and many other Australians. We are therefore encouraging people to book an appointment into June and July,” said Dr Daly.
