Hospital Issues Urgent O+ and O− Appeal
The Blood Bank at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital has issued an urgent appeal for O positive and O negative blood donations to support patient care. The laboratory is accepting donors Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; prospective donors should call 284-852-7572 with questions about eligibility.
Orlando Smith Hospital in Road Town has issued an urgent appeal for donations of O positive (O+) and O negative (O–) blood to support immediate patient needs. Hospital officials say donations of these blood types can make a meaningful and rapid impact on emergency care, ongoing surgeries and treatment for patients requiring transfusions.
The Laboratory is open for donations Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Anyone with questions or who wishes to confirm eligibility is asked to contact the Lab at 284-852-7572 before coming in. O type blood is particularly important: O– is a universal red-cell donor and is critical in emergencies when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type, while O+ is one of the most commonly needed types for Rh-positive patients.
With the BVI’s limited blood supply and a relatively small population, shortfalls in these types can quickly strain the hospital’s ability to respond to trauma, obstetric complications and scheduled surgeries. The Blood Bank has provided simple guidance for prospective donors. Donors should be in good general health and bring a valid photo ID.
Eat a healthy meal and stay well hydrated before donating, and maintain hydration afterwards. If you have recently travelled, undergone surgery, or are taking medication, please speak with the Laboratory team to confirm whether you are eligible to donate. Community organisations, businesses, churches and schools are encouraged to consider organising group donations or awareness drives to help boost supplies.
Regular donors are also asked to check their eligibility and, if able, to give again — even one unit can save lives. The Laboratory team can advise on how often donors may give and on any temporary deferral periods. The hospital thanked past donors for their support and appealed to residents and eligible visitors to answer this urgent call.
For more information or to arrange your visit, contact the Blood Bank at 284-852-7572 during the laboratory’s operating hours.
Primary source: Guavaberry