Mallorca blood appeal: Balearics have 141 O positive units

Mallorca and the other Balearic Islands have just 141 units of O positive blood in reserve on 28 October, against the 365 considered optimal: the islands’ blood bank is urging people to donate. O negative stocks are low too, with 40 units available against an optimum of 95. The appeal follows the train accident in Toledo, which the bank says shows how little room the islands would have to respond to a similar emergency.

Blood stocks must cover everyday needs

The Balearic Islands Blood and Tissue Bank says O positive stocks stand at 38.6% of the optimal level, while O negative stocks stand at 42.1%. It is asking people across the islands, particularly those with either of those blood groups, to donate at designated donation points.

The bank says it needs enough blood for hospitals’ usual needs as well as for an unexpected rise in demand. Blood sent to the islands from other regions depends on transport and takes time.

How help for Toledo would work

The bank has expressed its support for those affected by the Toledo accident. Urgent donation appeals are going first to people in the regions treating the injured. If further help is needed, transfusion centres will coordinate it between regions, taking account of demand, available stocks and transport times.

If the Balearics are asked to help, the bank says it will weigh its reserves against the islands’ own needs and the practicalities of transport. It is calling for regular donations so blood is already available when an emergency happens.

Topics: Health

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com