“Apheresis is a slightly longer process than whole blood donation and there are other considerations for someone to be a suitable candidate for this kind of donation,” says Dr Fakunle. “We are therefore hoping to bring more awareness to this type of donation as we would like more apheresis donors.”
Comments from some of Bermuda’s apheresis donors:
Jayne Kendall, says: “Apheresis can be used to help cancer patients, sickle cell patients, trauma victims, and others with serious medical conditions. Apheresis allows you to donate specific blood components—like platelets, plasma, or red blood cells—depending on what’s most needed. I was told that it does take longer to donate and then asked if I wanted to become a donor. It was really a no brainer. One of my best friends died of cancer in 2018. When I donate I think of her and what she went through undergoing chemotherapy. Sitting in a chair for 2 hours every quarter doing my donation is the least I can do if it helps someone.”
Wayne Dill says: “Apheresis as a selfless privilege given the specific blood products which are collected. For me, it is a tremendous feeling to do something which is altruistic and of immediate benefit.”
What Is apheresis and why does it matter?
Apheresis is a special donation method where only specific components of the blood—such as platelets, plasma or red blood cells—are collected, and the rest is returned to the donor. This is different to whole blood donation, where half a pint of whole blood is donated. This method:
- Maximizes each donation, often helping multiple patients.
- Is essential for cancer patients, trauma victims, and those with rare blood disorders.
- Supports patients undergoing major surgeries or dealing with chronic conditions like aplastic anaemia and immune deficiencies.
- Unlike regular whole blood donations, apheresis provides a customised lifeline for many patients.
Why donate?
- Blood and apheresis donations are a safe, comfortable, and highly effective way to help treat many different medical conditions and save lives.
- All donated blood and blood products are used in Bermuda; and in Bermuda 100% of our blood is from voluntary donations from residents. This is how we look out for each other!
- Blood donation takes about half an hour, and apheresis donation takes about an hour.
- Donations made now can replenish low supplies and prepare the hospital for upcoming needs so it is there for emergencies as well as planned treatments.
- You can relax while you donate! We have comfortable blood donation chairs with a specially warmed blanket, and we’ll serve you refreshments and cookies at the end.
Join Us—Save Lives
We encourage you to:
- Book an appointment by calling 236-5067, WhatsApp 533-9553 or email blood.donor@bhb.bm.
- Learn more about how apheresis donation works, and consider joining our apheresis donors, especially if you already donate blood.
- Spread the word—you may inspire someone else to donate.
- If you’re healthy, over 18 (or 17 with parental consent) and meet general donation guidelines, you could be someone’s hero. Check out the blood donation criteria at bermudahospitals.bm.
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