The Wave, Muscat staff donate blood

The staff approached the Department of Blood Services in order to help boost essential blood supplies within blood banks. It is also the endeavour of the The Wave, Muscat to help raise community awareness of the importance of donating blood which is always in need.

Nick Smith, CEO, The Wave, Muscat said,

"I am proud to be part of a team who are so keen to participate and support this essential activity. The expansion of health services and healthcare providers now makes it possible for the fit and healthy members of the community to donate blood for those who need to have either planned surgery or for use in emergencies. With the ever increasing population, the need for blood is ever more essential within the Sultanate, and we are delighted to have been able to make a humble but valuable contribution by supporting the healthcare sector "

Dr. Shahnaz Al Balushi Director, Department of Blood Services, Ministry of Health welcomed The Wave, Muscat's involvement and said, "Every donation made to the blood bank can help up to three people who need life saving blood products. We need the support of the corporate houses like The Wave, Muscat to regularly participate in blood donation initiatives".

According to Dr Balushi, the biggest demand for blood is from the tertiary care hospitals located in Muscat besides the regional specialised hospitals. There are at present more than 11 hospital-based blood banks in the Sultanate which are actively supervised by the Department of Blood Services. These are located in Ibri, Buraimi, Nizwa, Sohar, Salalah, Ibra, Sur, Bani Bu Ali, Khasab, Dibba, Rustaq, Sumail and Masirah.

Facts about Blood Donation highlighted by Dr. Balsuhi.
- Blood cannot be manufactured. It can only come as a gift from people. The need for blood increases during holidays and summer months, because most of the donors are on leave and that effects the donor turnout. Statistics show that 25 percent or more of us will require blood at least once in our lifetime.