Blood bank in plea for foreign volunteers

PHUKET CITY: The blood bank at Wachira Phuket Hospital is appealing for expats of all ages and nationalities to become volunteer helpers.

The head of the blood bank, Sriroung Choophak, told the Gazette that foreign volunteers could help put donors at ease when they came to give blood, and maybe give the hospital ideas on improving the blood service.

K. Sriroung explained, “Sometimes, when a foreigner comes to give blood, we don’t know how our system compares to the one in their home country.

“I think it will be good if we have people of the same nationality here to talk to them, welcome them and explain to them what we do; they will feel more comfortable. Plus I think it could be a good way for everyone to learn about each others’ cultures.”

K. Sriroung emphasized that expats do not need to have medical or nursing experience to become volunteers.

“We already have nurses, we just need someone to talk to donors, and maybe share ideas,” she said.

K. Sriroung also appealed for more donors to come forward, especially those with blood types B or O.

The blood bank can be contacted at Tel: 076-369188 or by email to: sriroung9@yahoo.com