What’s happening?
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is urgently calling on Rockhampton residents to donate blood and plasma to help replenish critical supplies severely depleted by ex-Cyclone Alfred.
Why it matters?
Reliable blood supplies are essential for local hospitals in Rockhampton, playing a critical role in life-saving treatments such as surgery, trauma care, childbirth emergencies, and cancer treatments. The severe cyclone-induced disruptions have drastically impacted regional blood stocks, threatening patient care.
Local Impact
Rockhampton urgently needs 150 blood and plasma donors this week. The Rockhampton Lifeblood Donor Centre located at Quay Street has expanded hours and urgently encourages residents to schedule appointments immediately through Lifeblood’s website, app, or by calling 13 14 95.
By the numbers:
- National need: Lifeblood urgently seeks 6,000 additional blood and plasma donors nationwide, including 1,500 urgently required in Queensland.
- Appointments impacted: Closures of 22 donor centres across Queensland and northern NSW due to ex-Cyclone Alfred resulted in the cancellation of 3,500 appointments.
- Daily requirement: Australian hospitals collectively require approximately 4,000 blood donations every day.
Zoom In
Belinda Smetioukh, Lifeblood spokesperson, highlighted the severity, stating, “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 explained, “Platelets are used to help people undergoing chemotherapy or to stop bleeding during surgery or after a major trauma.”
Zoom Out
Lifeblood has coordinated a rapid national response, with additional supplies of blood and platelets arriving from Victoria, New South Wales, and Western Australia. This interstate support underscores a strong collaborative effort to manage Queensland’s urgent blood-supply crisis.
What To Look For Next?
Rockhampton residents, including first-time donors, are strongly encouraged to immediately book donation appointments. Lifeblood emphasizes the critical importance of ongoing community support in the coming weeks, as shortages are expected to persist.
