The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) has appealed for urgent donations after blood stocks across the province fell below the recommended five-day reserve, with O positive and O negative supplies at just a two-day level.
Shortages across most blood groups
WCBS says seven of the eight blood groups are below the five-day target it aims to maintain to meet hospital demand. The current stock profile reported by the service is:
| Blood group | Days' supply |
|---|---|
| O positive | 2 days |
| O negative | 2 days |
| A positive | 3 days |
| B negative | 3 days |
| AB negative | 3 days |
| B positive | 4 days |
| AB positive | 4 days |
WCBS officials emphasised that blood is used daily in hospitals not only for trauma cases but also during childbirth, scheduled operations and for treatment of patients with chronic conditions.
Who can donate and what it takes
The appeal sets out the standard eligibility criteria: donors should be aged 16 to 75, weigh at least 50kg, be in good general health and follow a safe sexual lifestyle. A single donation takes about 30 minutes and can potentially save up to three lives, WCBS noted.
- Donation time: approximately 30 minutes.
- Potential lives saved per donation: up to three.
- Eligibility: 16–75 years, ≥50kg, generally healthy.
“We need the support of our donors now to help restore blood stocks to a healthy five-day supply,”
said Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager at the WCBS, urging all eligible donors to make time to donate regardless of blood group.
Why the five-day target matters
Blood services aim to maintain a rolling five-day supply so hospitals can respond to everyday clinical needs and unexpected surges, such as major accidents, obstetric emergencies or complications in routine surgery. Because blood and many components cannot be manufactured, the system depends on a continuous flow of voluntary donors.
Low stocks of universal donor types — particularly O negative and O positive — are particularly concerning. O negative is often used in emergencies when the patient’s blood group is unknown, while O positive is frequently required because of its high prevalence among recipients.
How to donate in the Western Cape
Donors can find the nearest donation clinic or get further information via the WCBS blood donation page. For enquiries the public can also send a WhatsApp message to 060, according to the WCBS announcement.
WCBS is calling on people who are due to donate, and those who have considered donating in the past but not yet acted, to come forward immediately. Donors are encouraged to book ahead where possible, check eligibility on the WCBS website and bring identification to appointments.
Local impact and practical considerations
A sustained shortfall in blood supplies would force hospitals to ration certain blood products or postpone elective surgeries, increasing pressure on clinicians and patients. The appeal therefore has both clinical and operational implications for public and private hospitals across the province.
For residents planning to donate: eat a light meal beforehand, stay hydrated, and allow a short recovery period after the donation. Those with recent travel, certain medical conditions or specific medications should consult the WCBS guidance before presenting to donate.
The WCBS appeal is a reminder of the collective role citizens play in sustaining essential health services. With several blood types already at critically low levels, the service says every donation now will meaningfully bolster the province’s ability to care for patients in need.
