Hospital staff tells why donate blood

National
Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion Medicine Blood Bank nurse manager Sr Damaris Penias (second right, back) and colleagues Kenneth Engime and Sr Rose Naliwi, conducting an information session for Pacific Star Limited staff in preparation for a blood drive on Wednesday. – Nationalpic by KENNEDY BANI.

STAFF of Pacific Star Ltd took part in an information session on donating blood with the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion Medicine in preparation for a blood drive next week.
Blood bank nurse manager Sr Damaris Penias said many people in the community did not acknowledge the importance of donating blood hence, it was necessary to conduct awareness programmes.
She said more people needed to come forward and voluntarily donate blood regularly as the hospital was always in need of it.
“Because of the short shelf life of blood components, there is a constant need for regular blood supply,” she said. “Sometimes life-saving operations can be on hold due to the lack of blood.
“Women with pregnancy complications, children with severe anemia, people with severe trauma, surgical and cancer patients and people with blood disorders need blood transfusions.
“Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person – the gift of life.”
Penias stressed that the decision to donate blood could save several lives if the blood was separated into its components of red cells, platelets and plasma.
Penias told more than 50 staff that there were benefits in donating blood which included:

  • Regular health screening without visiting the hospital;
  • Free blood tests which also enable you to know your blood type.
  • Balance iron levels in the blood.
  • Donors are less likely to suffer heart attack, cancer or stroke;
  • Improved blood flow; and,
  • Helps you feel better about yourself.