16 January 2015
Australian High Commission helps restock blood bank
Staff from the Australian High Commission together with a number of other expats rolled up their sleeves this week to donate blood to help restock the National Referral Hospital’s blood bank.
The blood drive was organised in response to the shortage of blood at the National Referral Hospital and the recent appeal for public donations.
Australian High Commissioner Andrew Byrne led by example in volunteering to take part in the blood drive.
“Donating blood is a quick and easy thing to do. Most importantly, this relatively simple act can help to save the lives of Solomon Islanders,” he said.
“I’m pleased that our mission has been able to contribute to addressing the shortage of blood supplies at the National Referral Hospital.”
Red Cross officers and staff from the National Referral Hospital were on hand to take the donations from the volunteers.
The Secretary General of the Solomon Islands Red Cross, Ms Joanne Zoleveke expressed her appreciation on behalf of the Red Cross and its blood donor program for the public support that has been shown following the appeal for voluntary blood donors.
“Today the strong public support has been demonstrated by the willing voluntary blood donors from the Australian High Commission led by its High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Andrew Byrne,” said Ms Zoleveke.
“The Solomon Islands Red Cross will continue to support the National Referral Hospital in its effort to increase its blood stock levels by providing its volunteers and blood van for the purpose of voluntary blood donor recruitment drives."
Those in the community who are interested in donating blood can contact the Blood Transfusion Services at the National Referral Hospital (phone: 23600 ext 331 or 320; email: [email protected]) or visit the Facebook page, Helpem Iumi.
Image: Australian High Commissioner Andrew Byrne handing over his donation to Mr Donald Tahani from the National Referral Hospital