Port of Spain, 20th October, 2018: The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) has made it more convenient for the public to make voluntary, non remunerative blood donations by initiating Saturday opening hours at the Port of Spain Blood Collection Centre starting today, Saturday, 20th October 2018. Citizens wishing to donate blood can now benefit from the 8:00 am – 2:30 pm Saturday openings apart from the weekly hours of 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Through this initiative, the NWRHA now joins the other Regional Health Authorities across Trinidad, which have already instituted Saturday openings. This programme is part of an overall strategy to improve national blood donation services. The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) has taken steps to improve the donation procedure to ensure a better experience for the public.
Members of the public who intend to give blood are advised to:
- Avoid consuming alcohol at least 24 hours before
- Have a proper night’s rest (8 hrs)
- Consume a healthy and low fat meal before arrival
- Walk with at least one form of National ID
Persons are encouraged to register to become blood donors at any of the Blood Collection
Centres across Trinidad and Tobago.
For more information on becoming a donor please contact the NTBS at (868) 627-2719 or go to the Services tab of the Ministry of Health’s website at www.health.gov.tt.
