Public urged to donate blood

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) today (October 16) appealed to members of the public to donate blood as the blood collection service was suspended earlier this week in light of severe weather conditions. The blood inventories have been depleted to a low level and have to be duly replenished to maintain a stable blood supply for clinical transfusion to patients.

     As a token of thanks, from tomorrow (October 17) to October 26, every blood donor who donates successfully at a donor centre or blood donation vehicle will receive a Pocket Cup (see annexes), while stocks last. To prevent crowds from gathering and long waiting times at the donor centres, donors are advised to make appointments by calling the BTS' donor centres or via the "HK Blood" mobile app. For details, please visit www.ha.org.hk/rcbts.

     The "HK Blood" mobile app can be downloaded via the following link to locate the nearest donor centres across the city and make blood donation bookings: www5.ha.org.hk/rcbts/mobile-app.