Pregnant women to benefit from new blood bank equipment

The BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has announced that women giving birth will be among the main beneficiaries of the newly-bought equipment pumped into the Road Town blood bank.

The new equipment include: a blood bank refrigerator, manual defrost freezers, a plasma freezer, serology and blood banking centrifuge with tubes and a blood collection mixer, among others.

The equipment cost more than $45,000. These funds were raised by the Rotary Club in partnership with the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) and the BVI Red Cross. According to the BVIHSA, the Rotary Club of Tortola was moved to raise funds for new equipment when they learned of the plight of women who often need blood when giving birth at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital.

“Motivated by the urgent need to address the blood and blood product shortage faced by the territory’s blood bank, the Rotary Club initiated the fundraising efforts. Particularly, the club was moved by the difficulties faced by women in need of blood and blood products during childbirth. The successful campaign now enables the hospital laboratory to test blood locally before administration, ensuring optimal patient care and safety,” a release from the BVIHSA said.

The BVIHSA also says the newly acquired equipment empowers the blood bank to maintain an immediate inventory of blood units, significantly improving response times in critical situations.

“The laboratory will now have the capability to extract vital components such as plasma and platelets locally, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the blood bank’s operations.”

Dr June Samuel, Acting CEO of the BVIHSA, expressed gratitude for the equipment donation and the collaborative efforts between the BVIHSA, the Rotary Club, and the BVI Red Cross. She stated: “this equipment donation is a significant step forward in improving our blood bank services and enhancing patient care. We sincerely thank the Rotary Club and all those who contributed to this successful fundraising campaign. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of our community members.”

Valerie Georges Thomas, President of the Rotary Club of Tortola, highlighted the collaborative efforts behind the donation, stating, “the Rotary Club is proud to partner with the BVIHSA in this endeavor. We recognize the critical importance of a well-equipped blood bank in providing timely and reliable healthcare services. It is our privilege to contribute to the enhancement of the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital’s blood bank, ultimately benefiting the entire community.”