Francine Black, Staff Reporter

THE NATIONAL Blood Trans-fusion Service is appealing to the public to donate blood as part of preparations for the onslaught of Hurricane Ivan.

Dr. Lundie Richards, director of the Blood Bank told The Gleaner yesterday that there has been a shortage since the reopening of school and with Hurricane Ivan coming, preparations had to be increased in case of the disaster.

"With the hurricane on the horizon we are making sure that we have adequate supply in case something happens," he said.

SCALING DOWN OPERATIONS

The transfusion service is appealing for all blood types and is encouraging Jamaicans to go to any of the island's collection centres. The collection centres include National Chest Hospital which is open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the May Pen, Savanna-la-Mar, Mandeville and Port Antonio hospitals, among others.

Dr. Richards noted that collection would continue today and tomorrow while the blood bank's staff is on standby in case their services are required.

The Kingston Public Hospital has also activated its disaster plan, which involves sending home some patients. The list of patients to be sent home is currently being determined by the senior medical officer.

In addition, the hospital will be scaling down its operations as part of its disaster plans, and is currently seeking to secure essentials such as water and records. Attention is also being given to areas such as the hospital's infrastructure and drains.

Back to Lead Stories

Go-Jamaica | Jamaica Star | Go-Local Jamaica | Sports Jamaica | Letters to the Editor