Securing blood reserves over the festive period
Published: Tuesday, Dec 3rd 2024, 08:30
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The holidays and weekends over Christmas and New Year pose a particular challenge for the blood supply in Swiss hospitals. The Swiss Transfusion Service SRC is therefore calling for timely donations before or after the holidays.
Between December 24, 2024 and January 3, 2025, numerous regular blood collection appointments will be canceled due to the holiday constellation, according to a press release issued on Tuesday. This would make it more difficult to secure blood reserves.
In Switzerland, around 700 blood bags are needed every day to provide patients in hospitals with an adequate supply. A stable blood supply is particularly crucial during the festive season, as the collection centers are closed at weekends and on public holidays.
The blood donation services are therefore appealing to the public to make an appointment to donate blood before the holidays and between Christmas and New Year. Hospitals are dependent on a continuous supply, as blood reserves have a limited shelf life. At the same time, flu and colds lead to a decline in donors during the cold season, which can exacerbate shortages.
©Keystone/SDA
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