Demand for plasma, the golden-coloured part of blood used to make 18 different lifesaving treatments, is growing nationally by 10 per cent each year. It is an important and versatile component of blood used to help treat leukaemia, cancer burns victims and those with auto-immune disorders.

Blood Service spokesperson Jemma Falkenmire said the Hunter mobile blood service, which visits Gloucester every 12 weeks, is one of only two mobile units in the state equipped to collect plasma, which requires specialised training as well as the equipment.

“[It] returns red blood cells to the donor and takes only the plasma component.”

“Support for blood donation in the community means we can collect six plasma donations each visit, while still meeting hospital demand for traditional red cell donations. The Hunter mobile blood service was chosen as one of the state’s top mobile blood services, supported locally by an army of 150 Gloucester lifesavers. Plasma will be introduced on board visits to Williamtown, Gloucester, Muswellbrook, Cessnock, Singleton, Scone and Salamander Bay, boosting collections collectively by 350 each year,” she said.

Important changes to the nation’s blood collection network are helping to create a more stable blood supply for the one in three Australians who will need donated blood or blood products in their lifetime.

Plasma collections in Gloucester begin at Billabong Lane on Monday September 7 (12.30pm to 6.30pm), and Tuesday September 8 (9am to 3pm).