Calling all Blood Donors! The Blood Bank at the Scarborough General Hospital needs you!

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on many challenges and the Blood Bank in Tobago has not escaped.

Because of protocols that had to be put in place to minimize the amount of foot traffic and reduce the risk of infection, a drop in blood donations has been experienced.

But, with Clinics back in operation and the reported slowing of cases on the island, residents are being urged to step up.

“We have a low stock of blood at the moment so we want to encourage those persons who donated blood before, if it’s been more than six months since you donated, please contact the hospital,” said Medical Chief of Staff (Ag.) Dr. Victor Wheeler.

Both existing and new donors are welcome. To schedule an appointment to make a blood donation, contact the Blood Bank at 660-4744; Ext. 3098 or 3099.

“It is still safe to come to the hospital to donate blood. We need blood for the performance of emergency surgery, elective surgery, and there are other patients who occasionally would need blood,” said Dr. Wheeler during a recent post Executive Council media briefing.

The Blood Bank operates Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.