Phuket blood centres continue June donation drives amid Rh-negative shortage
Phuket blood donation centres are continuing mobile drives throughout June as the Phuket Regional Blood Centre reports a persistent shortage of Rh-negative blood linked to rising demand from tourist-related accidents and medical emergencies.
The Phuket Regional Blood Centre has renewed its call for donations through June, warning of a persistent shortage of Rh-negative blood as demand rises because of tourist-related accidents and medical emergencies.
The centre said eligible donors are encouraged to give blood whenever possible. Its mobile donation campaign this month includes multiple stops in Phuket, including Lotus’s Shopping Centre in Thalang and on the bypass road on June 2, the Phuket Regional Blood Centre near Saphan Hin on June 3 and June 14, The Kee Resort & Spa in Patong and Premium Outlet Phuket on June 5, Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort on June 9, Wat Sawang Arom School in Rawai and Pearl Hotel Phuket on June 11, Bangkok Hospital Siriroj on June 16, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket on June 18, Big C Supercentre on the bypass road on June 20, Bangkok Hospital Phuket and Krungsri Bank on Ratsada Road on June 24, the Mexico consulate Phuket in Cherng Talay on June 26, Central Phuket Floresta on June 30, and Dibuk Hospital on June 30.
The Blood Bank at Vachira Phuket Hospital is also running mobile drives during June at locations including Thepkrasattri Municipality on June 2, Limelight Phuket on June 5 and June 14, Thai Watsadu Thalang on June 8, Phuket Graceland Resort & Spa on June 9, Toyota Phuket on June 10, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas on June 11, Chalong Municipality on June 12, the Provincial Electricity Authority in Patong on June 16, Sakhu Subdistrict Administrative Organisation on June 17, Rosewood Phuket Hotel on June 18, HeadStart International School on June 19, Wichit Municipality on June 22, The Nap Patong Hotel on June 23, The Society Phuket on June 24, HomePro in Wichit on June 25, The Oceanic Sportel on June 26, Phuket Boat Lagoon on June 29 and Keemala Hotel in Kamala on June 30.
People can also donate directly at the Phuket Regional Blood Centre at 38/193 Rattanakosin 200 Pi Rd in Talad Neua, Phuket Town. The centre is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 8:30am to 8pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and from 9am to 3pm on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
The Vachira Blood Bank, on the fourth floor of the outpatient building at Vachira Phuket Hospital on Yaowarat Road in Phuket Town, is listed as always open.
Donation guidance issued with the campaign says first-time donors in Thailand must be under 60, with 70 as the upper age limit. Donors are advised to be in good health, get enough sleep, avoid alcohol for 24 hours before donating, eat a healthy low-fat meal at least three hours beforehand, avoid donating while taking antibiotics, and drink plenty of water before arriving.
The centres said donors should bring an ID card, complete a registration form, and undergo a brief health check including blood pressure and haemoglobin assessment and a short meeting with a doctor. The blood donation itself takes less than seven minutes, followed by rest, a snack and extra water.
For more information, the Phuket Regional Blood Centre can be contacted by phone at 076-251178 or mobile 081-9588854. Vachira Phuket Hospital Blood Bank can be contacted at 076-361234 ext 1287.
