Albury Blood Donor Centre staff will continue to take donations through a mobile service in the SS&A Club carpark while their David Street building is closed for upgrades.
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Two air-conditioned vans and a refreshment area will operate until the end of February, providing eight chairs for blood and plasma donors.
Community relations manager Cathy Chapman said opening hours had been adjusted to ensure the flow of donations would not be interrupted.
“We’re very lucky, as we announced before Christmas, Albury Donor Centre’s getting a $1.1 million refurbishment, which will be fantastic for Border donors,” she said.
“We’ve learned a few things since we set up 10 years ago.
“At the centre we had 10 to 11 chairs … (the vans will have) the same opening hours and appointments for blood donors and we’ve extended hours for plasma, so it’s still the same number of appointments and we’re opening earlier.
“If there’s anyone who’s been wanting to donate plasma and wants to try a morning slot, now is the time.”
The centre upgrades will not expand capacity for donations but will modernise the facility, turning it into an open-plan layout.
Ms Chapman said the reminder to donate at the mobile facility was timely as the Australia Day weekend approaches.
“With public holidays, we need to keep collecting ... there’s a need for donations before and after the long weekend,” she said.
“Australia needs 25,000 donors every single week to meet the needs of its patients.
“Just here in the Albury-Wodonga area, on average about 50 patients require blood products everyday.
“Donating blood will take only one hour of your time, and every blood donation will help to save three lives.”
- The temporary centre will be operating in the north east corner of David and Wilson streets until February 27, open between 8am and 7pm Monday to Thursday and from 7.30am to 2.30pm on Friday. Opening hours on Sunday are 8am to 12.30pm.
- To make an appointment call 13 14 95.