THE Maitland community is being urged to roll up their sleeves and donate blood as the impact of flooding and road closures in Queensland and northern NSW resulted in a shortfall of 3000 donations - the equivalent of an entire Saturday's supply.
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Donor centres across Queensland and NSW have been impacted by the floods.
Flooding, challenges with staff and donors unable to reach centres and mobiles and road closures have all contributed to reduced collections.
"In addition, we have seen a high number of donors understandably unable to get to their appointments as they focus on their families and homes or follow stay-at-home and evacuation orders," Cath Stone, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood's executive director for donor services, said.
"In Sydney, where a fifth of the country's blood supply is collected, hundreds of blood donors have been unable to donate, with many impacted by evacuation orders and disruptions to public transport at major blood collection centres such as Town Hall, Chatswood, and Parramatta."
She said additional blood supplies were pre-emptively sent to hospitals in affected areas to counter any possible impact on blood delivery services with further stocks being sent from unaffected states.
"We have reopened all our donor centres in Queensland, but with many roads and donors still cut off, and blood being a critical resource, we are calling on donors in other parts of the country to roll up their sleeves and help make up the shortfall of the past week," Ms Stone said.
"People out there may be thinking, 'How can I help?' Donating blood ensures that patients in these communities get the medical treatment they need.
"Some donor centres in flood-affected areas might be impacted so head to the Lifeblood website to find your nearest donor centre, check your eligibility, and book a donation."
To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood App.
