Blood centre aims to improve Manukau's donation record

A new blood donation centre opened in Manukau yesterday in a bid to increase low donor numbers in the city.

Manukau has a population 1 1/2 times greater than Wellington, but residents donate only one-third the blood received in a week in the capital.

The big new NZ Blood Service centre on Cavendish Dr aims to improve that figure.

The number of beds has been doubled from three to six and staff levels will be increased over time to lift capacity from 28 to 60 donors a day.

Blood Service chief executive Graeme Benny said attracting new donors was crucial to ensuring Manukau has a regular supply of blood.

"This great new facility will be a big help in that regard." About 80 per cent of New Zealanders will need blood or a blood product during their lifetime, but only 4 per cent of the adult population currently donate.

Every year, 160,000 units of blood is needed to help, for example, accident and burn victims, people having surgery, children with leukemia and transplant patients.

Donating 470mls of blood, the average amount taken in one sitting, can save three lives.

After giving blood, the fluid is replaced within 24 hours and the red blood cells within 6-8 weeks.

To become a donor, call 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 4483 25663) or register at NZ blood.