A concerning 17 per cent cancelled or rescheduled on the day of their booking, leaving the centre no time to find someone to take their place.
An additional 10 per cent of people simply didn’t turn up on the day without informing the centre.
Regional Lifeblood spokesperson Shae Burns said during the height of the pandemic, Australians responded strongly to Lifeblood’s appeals for blood donors.
But now only one in every two appointments was being kept, with a third cancelled or rescheduled on the day.
“Australians are enjoying holidays, catching up with friends and family, and getting back to everyday outings, but the need for blood never stops,” Ms Burns said.
“In fact, annual demand for blood is at its highest level in over a decade, with hospitals now using four per cent more blood than they did compared to the last two years.”
Donor Richard Liggins, who works in Shepparton, is just one person to answer the call, donating plasma every fortnight.
“I encourage people to keep their appointments, because they are always desperate for blood or plasma,” he said.
“I've never heard them say, ‘We've got too much'.”
Ms Burns said the centre understood people's plans could change.
But she urged anyone needing to cancel or reschedule to contact Lifeblood as early as possible, so someone else could fill in.
“There is no substitute for blood and we need every type, every day, to meet the needs of Australian patients who depend on it,” she said.
“There are always people in hospital needing blood for cancer treatment, surgery, blood disorders and obstetrics.”
To book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit or download the free Donate Blood app.lifeblood.com.au
You can also check your eligibility to donate at the Lifeblood website.
