For most blood donors, rolling up a sleeve takes less than an hour. For the patients on the receiving end, it can mean the chance to keep fighting, keep healing and keep living.
Every day across Sunshine Coast Health, blood and blood products help save lives. They support cancer patients through treatment, help trauma patients survive severe injuries, assist mothers experiencing significant bleeding during childbirth, and provide vital care for babies and children with complex medical conditions.
For Sunshine Coast Health Clinical Nurse Taylah, the importance of blood donation is something she witnesses every day.
“I’ve always understood that blood donation was important, but working in oncology and haematology has given me an even deeper appreciation of its impact,” she said.
“Over the years, I have transfused hundreds of blood products to cancer patients, these transfusions are essential in helping patients stay well enough to continue treatment and maintain their quality of life.”
Taylah first became a donor while still at school, attending a blood drive in year 11. Since then, she has donated blood and plasma 109 times!
“Even as a nurse, I’m not particularly fond of needles, but the few seconds of discomfort are insignificant compared to the difference you can make for someone in need,” she said.
“The staff at donor centres are incredibly kind, experienced and supportive, and they do everything they can to make the experience comfortable…and, of course, there are always the snacks afterwards!”
For Sunshine Coast Health Patient Support Assistant Bruce, what began as a way to help his grandfather became a lifelong commitment to helping others. While he cannot remember his very first donation, he knowsit was around 1990.
“At that time my grandfather was in his late seventies and for the last few years of his life he needed to go to hospital every four months to get three or four bags of blood, and I decided I needed to help,” Bruce said.
“It was taking four regular blood donors to keep my grandfather alive, and I couldn’t stand by and not contribute.”
Inspired by both his grandfather and his father, who is now 86 and has given more than 120 whole blood donations, Bruce recently reached an incredible milestone...his 101st donation.
“I like to donate regularly because I know it is important, and it makes me feel good - I normally donate about four times a year,” Bruce said.
“If you’re worried or anxious the nurses are all caring and wonderful, the needle doesn’t hurt, and you get a drink and a treat afterwards.”
On June 14, World Blood Donor Day shines a light on people like Taylah and Bruce. It is a chance to thank the donors whose generosity quietly saves lives every day, while encouraging others to consider becoming donors themselves.
Blood and blood products are essential components at Sunshine Coast Health, supporting patients across a wide range of clinical specialties and life-saving treatments. We use both fresh blood components, including red cells, platelets, and fresh frozen plasma, as well as plasma-derived products such as immunoglobulins, albumin, and clotting factors.
Every donation helps make essential treatments, surgeries and emergency care possible for patients across our health service. To donate, visit www.lifeblood.com.au