29 bags of blood from BOV employees

29 BOV employees volunteered to donate blood during another BOV Blood Donation Drive organised by Bank of Valletta in collaboration with the National Blood Transfusion Services.

Every year, a good number of patients are thankful for the kind and generous act from blood donors. Donated blood is integral to the support of treatment of young children, women who need blood after giving birth and patients who undergo major operations. Blood feeds the body and organs with oxygen and nutrients that are essential for survival. A bag of donated blood is processed into three products: Red Cell Concentrate; Plasma; Platelets, and can thus help save three lives. 

Mr Tony Micallef, Practice Nurse – Donor Liaison for the Blood Transfusion Services thanked the BOV management and these twenty nine employees for their generous response to donating blood on a regular basis. “While COVID-19 continues to challenge society in various ways, and though in hospital some of the non-urgent operations are being cancelled due to the pandemic, the demand for blood is still relatively high. This is due to the fact that a large number of patients suffering from chronic illnesses, mostly cancer, are in constant need of blood transfusions,” said Mr Micallef. He continued that with Christmas round the corner all healthy persons should consider giving blood as a wonderful gift in the year of the pandemic.

Jes Sciberras, organiser of the BOV Blood Donation Drive explained how blood donation should not be forgotten during this COVID times. “Every year, the Bank organises three BOV Blood Drives to help out in blood collection, creating awareness and encourage both our staff and the general public to help save as many lives as possible” stated Mr Sciberras. “Some of the donors claimed that this initiative has become a regular gesture within their whole family, and this inspires us to continue with our efforts towards blood donation. I sincerely thank the Blood Transfusion Unit for their assistance and professionalism each time we organise a blood drive and my BOV colleagues for their generosity each time we call for their support.”

It’s never too late to become a blood donor. Simply visit the National Blood Transfusion Services in Pietà between 8am and 6pm. For further information check out www.facebook.com/bloodmalta or call on 8007 4313 or 7930 7307. You can also follow Bank of Valletta’s example and organise a Blood Donation Drive at your place of work.