Phuket hospital warns blood donors not to over react

PHUKET: Staff at Vachira Phuket Hospital’s blood bank have warned the public to be careful about reacting to requests on social media for urgent blood donations, after news went viral on Wednesday of a teenage motorbike accident victim urgently needing A-type blood donations.

The hospital was inundated with blood donors who had seen the social media posts and believed that the hospital had completely run out of stocks of the A+ blood type needed for the 16-year-old crash victim.

Blood bank technician Siriprapa Salanopakul said the victim needed eight units of blood but there was still plenty in stock. “We have about about 70 to 80 units of A-type blood in stock so there’s really nothing to worry about.”

“Of course blood donations are always welcome but please check with the hospital first to see if there is a real need for extra blood. If not then your donation could be wasted,” said Ms Siriprapa.

“It is better to have a steady flow of blood donations. That’s easier to manage. If we take several donations all at once though, it means a large supply of blood stocks will then expire at the same time,” she said.

To contact Vachira Phuket Hospital’s blood bank call 076-361 234. Ext: 1285.

— Kongleaphy Keam