Lewis Catterall is the donor relations coordinator for NZ Blood Service (NZBS) on Lake Road in Takapuna. He has been there for the best part of two years and says that in this time he has had the privilege of meeting hundreds of donors who visit the Takapuna Donor Centre.
“Being a Shore boy for over 50 years, I am more than well aware of how fortunate we are to live in one of the best places in Auckland,” said Lewis when we caught up with him in September. “With the abundance of lovely urban beaches right on our doorstep, lots of recognised community groups focused on enhancing our environment and communities, fantastic schools and teachers… the list is endless.
“In my view, the common denominator is that we all care about each other and our surroundings, so please take this Channel Mag cover feature as my impassioned plea for you to come and visit us at 441 Lake Road, Takapuna and donate. Giving blood saves lives.”
Lewis says he was initially stunned hearing the stories and reasons why people give the gift of life. “The reasons can be both humorous and sad, but, to be honest, I am at a loss, wondering why people would not donate.
“There are actually many valid reasons why people don’t, or can’t, donate blood – such as medical, age, etc. – but I urge those who are able to, to give it a go; it’s not as bad as you think.”
Lewis adds that in conversations with blood donors, many of them asked questions about the NZ Blood Service. So he was keen to answer as many of these questions as he could in this Channel Mag cover feature.
Who owns NZ Blood Service?
NZ Blood Service is a Crown entity, so it is owned by the New Zealand government. We manage the collection, processing and supply of blood products for the New Zealand healthcare system. NZ Blood Service was formed in 1998 by integrating all regional blood services into a single national organisation. NZBS ensures safe, appropriate, and timely access to blood and tissue products for New Zealanders.
Does NZ Blood Service sell blood and plasma donations to our healthcare system?
NZ Blood Service does not sell blood or plasma for commercial interests. However, it does cost money to process and test the blood we collect, so as a Crown entity, we recover these costs through Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ).
What happens with my donation?
Contrary to some beliefs, your (blood) donation is not sent straight off to the hospital for transfusion. Every donation is processed through a very stringent testing process to ensure that when the donation is used, it is of the very best and safest quality.
Do blood donors get paid?
No. New Zealand Blood Service follows the World Health Organisation’s recommendation that voluntary, unpaid donation is key to a safe blood supply. Paying donors raises ethical concerns and may affect the quality of information given during interviews, so having voluntary donors helps keep New Zealand’s blood supply safe.
Blood or plasma donations?
Both are very important. Blood can be donated every three months and save up to three lives. It helps cancer patients, pregnant women and babies, accident and trauma patients, and many others. Plasma can be donated every two weeks, and can be turned into lifesaving and life-changing products that help treat up to 50 illnesses.
New Zealand used to be self-sufficient with plasma, but unfortunately, with an increase in need by hospitals we are now short of plasma donors. By donating, you can help the country become self-sufficient again.
Get in and see Lewis and the team at NZ Blood Service Takapuna this October! They’ll let you know whether blood or plasma donation is the best fit for you – and don't forget to check your eligibility on the NZ Blood Service website before you visit. One donation can save up to three lives!
NZ Blood Service Takapuna
441 Lake Road, Takapuna
Book by phone: 09 489 8858
Or email: info@nzblood.co.nz
Or visit: nzblood.co.nz
We have many business organisations that donate as a 'Team Red' - some are listed below. They sometimes treat it as a team-building event to bond as a group and save lives as a group. If you are interested in a Team Red contribution, please contact me at lewis.catterall@nzblood.co.nz
Black Box is a global leader in digital infrastructure solutions, delivering network and system integration, managed services, and technology products to Fortune 100 and top global enterprises. With a presence across the United States, Europe, India, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America, Black Box serves businesses across financial services, technology, healthcare, retail, public services, and manufacturing. Supported by a global team of around 3,600 professionals and strategic partnerships with leading technology providers, Black Box delivers end-to-end solutions in network integration, digital connectivity infrastructure, data centre buildouts, modern workplace solutions, and cybersecurity.
Simplicity began in 2016 around the kitchen table, with a group of friends wanting to make a real difference for other New Zealanders. So, we set up a KiwiSaver plan focused on low fees and keeping it simple. And from day one, we've given 15% of all fees to the Simplicity Foundation, who distribute to worthy Kiwi charities. We've grown fast, and now offer investment funds and low-cost first home mortgages.
Oceanbridge is a privately owned New Zealand company, employing over 200 people throughout New Zealand and Australia. We have offices in Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Christchurch, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, along with another seven agents throughout New Zealand. We have a blood drive at Devonport Naval Base every three months. The Royal New Zealand Navy is the eighth biggest whole blood donor in New Zealand and the fifth biggest plasma donor. Not only defending New Zealanders but saving lives too!
