SANBS disappointing service despite cry for help!

<p> </p> <p>I am writing to you now as a result of my experience with the SANBS donor clinic at N1 city today.</p> <p>I have donated blood many times before and place a high level of respect on your services and what your company does. I have been following the media stories surrounding your shortage (as a result of student protests etc.) as well as the appeal for donors to donate. I work each and every day including weekends so it is difficult for me to get to my nearest clinic however I took the entire day off to make sure I could do my part. It should be noted that I do not get paid when I do not work. It should also be noted that I made inquiries with the SANBS call centre on 3 separate occasions regarding where my nearest blood clinic is as well as what times they will be open etc.</p> <p>I reported to the SANBS donor clinic at 11:05 this morning. By 11:09, my forms were filled in and I was sitting across a SANBS staff member. The staff member asked if I had ever donated before, to which I responded that I have donated many times, however I have not donated at N1 city before. The staff member then proceeded to tell me that because I was at the clinic after 11:00, I cannot donate because it was my first time at N1 city. When asking for elaboration to this strange logic, the staff member proceeded to tell me that the clinic closes at 12:00 pm. If something should happen to me they will have to "set up a drip and stay there past 12:00 which is closing time".</p> <p>First of all, I was not informed in either of my 3 telephonic inquiries that I should be at the clinic before 11:00 should I be donating for the first time. Second of all, I was approximately 9 minutes behind the cut-off time when I was willing to donate. Thirdly, this was not my first time donating, I am a very comfortable donor who takes no more than 15 minutes at most to donate however the staff member was not interested in this fact. Fourthly, I lost an entire day of income to assist your company to be highly inconvenienced for an excuse that seemed exceptionally selfish and illogical.</p> <p>The fact that a willing donor was turned away because of a 9 minute deadline tells me that SANBS cannot be that desperate for blood and the media must have it wrong. I would therefore appeal to SANBS to regain control of these media stories. If SANBS is actually undergoing a blood shortage then I would appeal to SANBS to re-evaluate staff training and protocol as the shortage may be partly due to poor staff conduct.</p> <p>Unfortunately, I am left highly disappointed in the service and I unfortunately do not foresee myself taking another day of leave to support the service. I hope that next time I am able to assist you when you call for aid.</p> <p>Regards</p> <p>Samantha Blignault</p>