Welcome boost for NZ Blood after Covid-19 impact

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

THE Government has shored up a continued supply of blood and plasma for New Zealanders, says Associate Health Minister, Peeni Henare.

The Covid-19 response and recovery funding of almost $11 million will help the New Zealand Blood Service recover from the extra challenges and costs faced during Covid-19.

“Blood provided by NZ Blood saves lives,” said Mr Henare.

“We recognise the incredible job that NZ Blood has done for New Zealand to ensure our communities could still get access to blood during the Covid-19 pandemic response and recovery.

“NZ Blood worked under increased pressure in extraordinary circumstances to ensure security and supply of safe blood products for people around the country.

“During Covid-19 Alert Levels 3 and 4, the NZ Blood service continued to collect blood from donors for urgent care and had extra costs such as providing personal protective equipment for its staff and extra cleaning.

“I would also like to thank all the donors around New Zealand who continued supplying blood during Covid-19.”

On top of adapting its operations within New Zealand, NZ Blood has been impacted by disruptions to international trade.

“NZ Blood had to stock up on plasma products that are imported from Australia. It was essential to ensure that there were enough of these products in New Zealand for the people who needed them,” said Mr Henare.

NZ Blood Service will next be in Gisborne to collect blood on October 13, 14 and 15.