BVI News

Residents asked to donate blood urgently! Contact RVIPF before leaving home

Police have confirmed that the WhatsApp message being circulated that residents can leave their homes to donate O Negative blood to a patient at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital in Road Town is true.

The Information Unit of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) further confirmed that residents who are minded to donate blood will not require a pass.

Persons must, however, seek permission from the RVIPF before leaving their homes. The RVIPF further warned that donors must immediately return to their place of abode afterwards.

“It (the WhatsApp message) is legit, but it is not for persons to abuse it is just to leave their homes,” Police Information Officer Akia Thomas told BVI News.

The message — which seems to have been sent by relatives of the patient — read: “Cecil Nibbs is in urgent need of O Negative blood. If you can donate a pint of blood, please go to the laboratory in the old Peebles Hospital today.”

“To be on the safe side, please call the police headquarters before leaving home. My family and I thank you in advance,” the message said.

Requirements for donating blood

While also confirming that a patient is currently in need of O Negative blood, supervisor at the hospital’s blood bank, Marilyn Maduro, advised that donors must not have had any illnesses within the last month. She said they must not be taking any antibiotics either.

“If they have a temperature or they are not feeling well for the day, they shouldn’t attempt to. If there are any other underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, they cannot give blood,” Maduro said.

“They should be weighing more than 110 pounds, but if they took any vaccines or tattoos within the last year, they can’t,” she added.

The British Virgin Islands is currently under a 24-hour curfew to limit the spread of the coronavirus. This curfew is expected to come to an end on April 19.

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5 Comments

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  1. No Probs says:

    im O+ but if they need a pint. aint no prob

  2. Hmm says:

    Now y’all want blood why don’t y’all go check y’all blood bank red cross and tell the people what’s really going on

    • Caribbean Girl says:

      Flash News… there is no Blood Bank in BVI! 2nd largest economy in the Caribbean and there is none. When blood is needed, they just ask for donors and gets used then. Just like now.

  3. O- donor says:

    I called the hospital to ask if they still needed O- donors this morning. I was told they did but I can’t come till Tuesday? Thought that was very strange. Willing and able if needed.

    • LCS says:

      Easter Monday is a Holiday. Perhaps that is the reason why you were told that. Without a bank, the blood needs to be used right away. There is no way to keep it. It is time to get a bllod bank in the BVI. Many organizations raise money for many causes but never has this been seen as a need. Why?

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