WESTERN CAPE NEWS - The Western Province Blood Transfusion Service is changing its name to Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS). "The new name is more accurate, as we do not carry out the transfusion of blood," says WCBS CEO and medical director, Dr Greg Bellairs. 

"We are responsible for the collection, testing, and distribution of blood to state and private hospitals, while transfusion is the responsibility of clinical staff in the hospitals. Also, the geographic area we serve has been known as the Western Cape since 1994."

The service collects around 160 000 units of blood per year, which is given to trauma and accident victims, surgery patients, burn victims and people with blood diseases such as leukaemia. 

With population growth in the province and the establishment of new hospitals, WCBS is driven to meet the increasing demand for blood. 

For more information, SMS "Blood" to 33507, call WCBS on 021 507 6300, e-mail info@wcbs.org.za or visit www.wcbs.org.za. 

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