Lifeblood expands Queensland donation network as Greenslopes donor centre officially opens
Queensland’s blood and plasma supplies are set to grow by 14,000 donations a year thanks to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s newest donor centre in Greenslopes.
Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services the Hon. Tim Nicholls MP will officially open the Greenslopes Donor Centre today at Greenslopes Mall on Logan Road.
With nine donor chairs and almost 300 appointments available each week, the centre is open seven days a week and will play a pivotal role in helping meet Australia’s growing need for blood and plasma. It will also make donating more convenient for locals, with donations expected to help save up to 42,000 lives a year. Lifeblood Chief Customer Officer Cath Stone said the new centre builds on the strong support already shown by donors in Brisbane’s south-east.
“We know this is a community that wants to give. Local donors have strongly supported our Holland Park pop-up and nearby mobile donor centres, and Greenslopes now gives them a permanent, convenient place to donate both blood and plasma,” Ms Stone said.
“Importantly, it also gives people who have never donated before another opportunity to become a donor and make giving blood or plasma part of their routine.
“With 33,000 blood and plasma donations needed across Australia every week, growing our donor community and making donation as accessible as possible is critical to ensuring patients can continue to receive the blood and blood products they rely on.”
Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services the Hon. Tim Nicholls MP, who will officially open the centre, encouraged Queenslanders to help save lives and to donate much-needed blood or plasma.
“There's plenty of capacity at this new clinic in Greenslopes and across Queensland, so I encourage everyone, if possible, to roll up their sleeves and donate.”
Lifeblood Ambassador and plasma recipient Michael Klim will attend the official opening to thank donors and share firsthand the difference their generosity can make.
"Plasma donors changed my life. I've experienced how important plasma-based medicines can be, which is why raising awareness of plasma donation is something I'm incredibly passionate about."
Plasma, the yellow liquid component of blood, is used to make medicines and blood products that support patients with a range of serious conditions, including immune conditions, kidney disease and cancer.
A blood donation appointment takes around an hour, with the donation itself taking only 5–10 minutes, while plasma donors should allow around 90 minutes.
The Greenslopes Donor Centre first welcomed donors on 22 September and is Queensland’s 18th static Lifeblood donor centre.
The centre is located on the car park level of Greenslopes Mall, 700 Logan Road, Greenslopes, next to Jett’s Fitness.
To book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or book through the Lifeblood app.