Blood urgently needed

By Soli Wilson 21 January 2019, 12:00AM

There is a shortage of blood at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole National Hospital in Moto’otua – and your help is needed. 

This was confirmed by Isitolo Paulo, a Laboratory Officer at the national hospital, who said all blood types are in demand and anyone – who is in a position to donate – is encouraged to go to the N.H.S. Laboratory Blood Bank at the hospital. 

“It’s been a while now that we’ve needed blood donations from people,” he said. 

“All blood types are in demand and that’s why we encourage patients to get donations from their families to ensure a match.”

The hospital currently does not have enough blood in stock to meet the needs of the patients.

“There’s not enough blood in our blood banks to cater for all the patients that come through our doors needing blood transfusions. 

“No blood donations actually stay in the blood banks – due to the constant demands from the people – and that’s why we’re always looking for more people to give blood.”

A medical officer, who works at the hospital at Moto’otua and did not want to be named, confirmed the shortage facing the hospital and its patients. 

“The number of pints we have depends on the number of donations we get and we don’t get much. 

“So any patient admitted here needing transfusions, are advised to get donors from their families and friends, ensuring not only they get their transfusions but also the bloods we have in store don’t run out,” he said. 

“Each person equals to one pint of blood and they process and store these bloods in the blood bank here. 

“When it is needed these pints are brought out and prepared for anyone needing blood transfusions. We have had several shortages due to emergency transfusions and people [are] just not donating any but their patients get like four pints or so.” 

A blood shortage in a hospital can impact on surgery and patients receiving treatment for diseases such as leukemia, cancer and blood disorders. 

By Soli Wilson 21 January 2019, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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