Bermuda Hospitals Board received more than 25 calls from new donors wishing to give blood following an urgent call to the public — but more is still needed.

Doctors are also advising the public that a special kind of blood donation known as apheresis, where a larger number of separated blood components is collected, is also required.

Eyitayo Fakunle, a consultant haematologist and Chief of Pathology, said: “Apheresis is a slightly longer process than whole blood donation and there are other considerations for someone to be a suitable candidate for this kind of donation.

“We are therefore hoping to bring more awareness to this type of donation as we would like more apheresis donors.”

One apheresis donor, Jayne Kendall, said the idea of donating blood was “a no-brainer”.

Ms Kendall said: “Apheresis can be used to help cancer patients, sickle-cell patients, trauma victims and others with serious medical conditions.

“Apheresis allows you to donate specific blood components, like platelets, plasma or red blood cells depending on what’s most needed.

“I was told that it does take longer to donate and then asked if I wanted to become a donor. It was really a no-brainer.

“One of my best friends died of cancer in 2018. When I donate, I think of her and what she went through undergoing chemotherapy. Sitting in a chair for two hours every quarter doing my donation is the least I can do if it helps someone.”

It came after Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, issued an appeal to residents to make regular blood donations last week to highlight World Blood Day.

However, although new donors came forward, there remains a shortfall.

Susan de Verteuil, phlebotomy nurse in the Bermuda Blood Donor Centre, said: “The need for transfusions can vary week to week. We don't want to overstock blood we don't use so it is a very careful balance.

“We need about 40 donations a week and this will usually cover all our needs.

“Occasionally, there is an unexpected need, this could be trauma related, an unexpected treatment that is required or a childbirth situation. Those are the times you will see an urgent call for blood.

“We are so grateful to the media for running our call as we had a great response from new and regular donors.

“Over 25 new donors called us and made appointments and many regular donors came in at short notice. We thank them all.

“We still need people to call and donate this week, however, especially O positive donors. We always have more pressure around public holidays as we have fewer days in the week to get the donations we need.”

Ms de Verteuil said it was important to remember that donations are not only needed for trauma-related injuries but are required for numerous medical treatments including for cancer or sickle-cell patients.

She added: “We are proud that all our blood is from voluntary donations in Bermuda. This is about each one of us being there for others in our community when they need help.

“Restrictions on people from the UK and Europe were lifted a couple of years ago and people should visit the criteria list if they are not sure about their situation.

“You can donate now just three months after having a tattoo, for example. We follow similar criteria as used in countries like the US, UK and Canada. These may change over time but essentially are based on extensive, robust research.”

Anyone aged 18 or over can donate if they are in good health and meet required criteria.

There are restrictions on those who have illnesses such as HIV. Others may be required to defer a donation by a few weeks or months, such as people who have just returned from a country that has malaria, or who have recently received a tattoo.

The criteria for blood donation eligibility are listed on www.bermudahospitals.bm

To make an appointment, call 236-5067, message WhatsApp on 533-9553 or e-mail blood.donor@bhb.bm.