Porirua’s new permanent blood and plasma donor centre has welcomed its first donors after officially opening on Monday.
The NZ Blood Service facility opened with a blessing by Ngāti Toa Rangatira before donors began giving blood and plasma at the new centre.
NZ Blood Service staff member Aimee Kinzett was the first person to donate, supported by her husband Alex and daughter Prudence.
Fellow staff member Ngaire Murray was also among the centre’s first donors.
NZ Blood Service Donor Relations Team Leader Sarah Field said Porirua had long supported the regular mobile blood drives held in the city.
“Now they have a permanent place to donate five days a week and, for the first time, the opportunity to donate plasma without having to leave Porirua.
“We hope it will encourage existing donors to donate more regularly and introduce a whole new group of people to plasma donation.”
The new centre gives Porirua residents a permanent local option for both blood and plasma donation, rather than relying solely on visiting mobile blood drives.
Appointments are now available for blood and plasma donations through the NZ Blood Service website, by calling 0800 448 325, or through the NZ Blood Service Donor App.
