The South African National Blood Services has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations as the service is facing severe shortages of blood, to the extent that there may not be sufficient available blood for patients in need to sustain the country over the festive season.

Traditionally, December is a difficult time for the SANBS, with limited access to corporate blood drives and the availability of donors impacting on the ability to collect the minimum of 3 500 units of blood a day that is needed to treat patients.

Guest: Khensani Mahlangu - Communications Officer at the SANBS