The Cayman Islands Blood Bank is urgently appealing to members of the public with O-negative and O-positive blood and platelets to donate as soon as possible due to critically low supplies.
O-negative blood is known as the universal donor blood type because it can be given safely to patients of any blood type during emergencies, particularly when there isn't enough time to determine a patient's blood group. O positive blood is the most common blood type and is usually in high demand. It can be given to patients with any positive blood type: O+, A+, B+ or AB+.
These blood types are often used to treat trauma patients, individuals experiencing severe bleeding and others requiring immediate lifesaving transfusions.
Platelets help blood clot, preventing or controlling bleeding in people with low platelets or platelets that do not work properly. They are particularly important for patients undergoing cancer treatment, bone marrow transplants or major surgery.
The Blood Bank is asking all eligible donors of these blood types, and those able to donate platelets, to book an appointment as soon as possible to help replenish supplies and ensure these vital resources remain available for patients in need.
Every donation has the potential to save lives and support patients undergoing emergency treatment, surgery, cancer care, childbirth complications and other medical conditions.
Appointments can be booked by visiting bloodbank.ky or by calling the Cayman Islands Blood Bank at 244-2674/2677.
The Cayman Islands Blood is located on the 2nd Floor of the Anthony S. Eden Hospital. Opening hours are: