Blood donors and translators needed

PHUKET: Wachira Phuket Hospital is urgently seeking people willing to donate blood. Although all types – A, AB, B and O – are required, need is especially desperate for rhesus negative, or Rh-, types.

Anyone interested in donating blood should present themselves at either the fourth floor of Wachira Phuket Hospital, on Yaowarat Rd in Phuket City, or call K. Sri-Rung, who is coordinating the effort, at Tel: 076-379788 or 09-8733887.

Red Cross Association of Thailand staff, who are jointly coordinating the drive with the Phuket Blood Group, said that it was “not possible” to say how many people had given blood since the call went out this morning on TV and radio.

“We have so many people come, but we still need so much more, especially of the rarer blood types,” said a volunteer.

“People should eat before they donate, and remember to drink plenty of fluids.”

Wachira Phuket is also looking for donations of clothes, shoes and toiletries, according to Siri Lee, a volunteer translator at the hospital. “Many people have arrived here with nothing,” she said. “People – Thais and foreigners – have been very generous so far but more items would be appreciated.”

Donations may be left with volunteers on the ground floor.

In addition, the Commander of the Tourist Police has asked for volunteers with multiple language skills to help out as people come to grips with the effect’s of yesterday’s wave.

Some proficiency in Thai would be helpful, though not essential.

Volunteers are asked to present themselves at the Tourist Police headquarters on the bypass road.