Bunbury Blood Donor Centre opens for Saturday plasma donations

The Bunbury Blood Donor Centre will extended its hours from Saturday in order to accept more plasma donations.

David Bills made his 331st donation on Friday and encouraged people to take advantage of the extra day to donate.

“So many people now work seven days a week and it just gives them that extra day to come in,” he said.

“It gives you greater flexibility which is the great advantage of it.”

Mr Bills said he first donated blood in 1978 while in regional Victoria.

“It was something that my mum and grandmother had always done,” he said.

“All of us kids have donated blood as well, it’s just been a family tradition that has gone on.”

Australian Red Cross Blood Service spokeswoman Jessica Willet said the extended hours were a response to donor feedback and an increased patient demand for plasma.

“Australia’s demand for plasma is continuing to grow rapidly, which means we need more people to donate plasma in Bunbury,” Ms Willet said.

“Although we have a number of appointments available after hours, we understand weekend appointments can be more convenient for full-time workers.”

Bunbury Blood Donor Centre needs an extra 30 people to donate plasma every Saturday.

“Currently we have just 10 people booked in on our first Saturday, 16 March, which means we still need another 20 people to make an appointment to donate plasma,” Ms Willet said.

“Plasma is a powerful part of the blood that can be used to make 18 life-giving products.”

Mr Bills said donating blood was quick and easy to do.

“I think with the stresses of modern life it can be a bit of time out during the day to sit down and do something really good for the community,” he said.

To make an appointment to donate visit donateblood.com.au or call 131 495.