OAKESHOTT INDEPENDENT
PORT MACQUARIE HAS A LOT TO BE PROUD OF WITH NEW BLOOD BANK SERVICE
Independent MP for Port Macquarie, Robert Oakeshott, today thanked the Department of Health and the Australian Red Cross Blood Bank Service for the development of an impressive new home on Clarence Street in Port Macquarie.
"This has been a long time coming, and I am pleased to see the Blood Bank service move off-site from the hospital, as part of the Hospital Masterplan process, Mr Oakeshott said.
"This has helped free up important room at the hospital for other services, such as renal dialysis units, to assist with clinical excellence of care in this area, said Mr Oakeshott.
"The new blood bank location is also attracting more people from the business community as well as tourists happy to donate blood. The central location is achieving its purpose of being more available to more people, said Mr Oakeshott.
"The service has now been extended from 3 days per week to 5 days per week, and has extended hours and four new staff. We can now say we have a full blown blood bank service operating out of Port Macquarie and that is something we should be very proud of, Mr Oakeshott said.
"As well, we should be very proud as a community for the 'rate of returns' of local blood donors. The state average is 30 per cent for people returning to donate blood more than once, however, in Port Macquarie, it is 60 per cent, Mr Oakeshott said.
"This reflects the quality of care from the team at the local blood bank, as well as a giving spirit being alive and well in the local community. I urge more people to consider donating both blood and plasma at the new Blood Bank at Port Macquarie, on Clarence Street, under the Port Pacific Motel, Mr Oakeshott said today.
5 September 2007