Warrnambool Blood Bank centre still open and seeking donations

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood group account manager Colin Littlejohn said the Warrnambool Donor Centre was operating as normal.

He said there were increased cleaning measures in place and the need for donations was constant.

Lifeblood last week appealed for more than 14,000 people to come forward and donate blood or plasma and while many people have answered the call, 10,000 donors are still needed over the next three weeks.

Lifeblood chief executive Shelly Park said donating blood and plasma remained an essential activity to keep blood flowing to patients across the country.

"Travel and venue restrictions do not prevent you from giving blood - we need you now more than ever," she said.

"Coronavirus does not stop the need for blood and plasma. It is a critical resource and demand for blood is constant and will continue to be.

"There are currently, and will continue to be over the coming weeks and months, patients involved in road accidents who need large volumes of blood for transfusions, cancer patients who will still need support to survive their treatment, and there will still be women who experience complications while giving birth, as well as many others who rely on this precious resource."

Ms Park thanked those who continued to donate.

"However this will be an ongoing need and we urge everyone to make blood or plasma donation part of their immediate and ongoing plans," she said.

People should call 13 14 95 or visit lifeblood.com.au to arrange for an appointment.

The Warrnambool Donor Centre hours are:

Monday - Tuesday 12pm - 7:30pm

Wednesday 1pm - 7.30pm

Thursday - Friday 7am - 2.30pm

Saturday 8am - 3.30pm (First and third Saturday of every month)

We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we want to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.