Boost for NZ Blood service after COVID-19 impact

The Government has shored up a continued supply of blood and plasma for New Zealanders says Associate Minister of Health, Peeni Henare.

The COVID-19 Response and Recovery funding of almost $11 million dollars will help the New Zealand Blood Service recover from the extra challenges and costs faced during COVID-19.

“Blood provided by NZ Blood saves lives. We recognise the incredible job that NZ Blood has done for New Zealand to ensure our communities could still get access to blood during the COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery,” said Peeni Henare.

“NZ Blood worked under increased pressure in extraordinary circumstances to ensure security of supply of safe blood products for people around the country.

“During COVID-19 Alert Levels 3 and 4 the NZ Blood service continued to collect blood from donors for urgent care and had extra costs such as providing personal protective equipment for its staff and extra cleaning.

“I’d also like to thank all the donors around New Zealand who have kept supplying blood during COVID-19.”

On top of adapting its operations within New Zealand, NZ Blood has been impacted by disruptions to international trade.

“NZ Blood had to stock up on plasma products that are imported from Australia. It was essential to ensure that there were enough of these products in New Zealand for the people who needed them,” Peeni Henare said.

“NZ Blood had to stock up on plasma products that are imported from overseas and used for patients with low levels of antibodies, the control of some autoimmune disorders and provides clotting concentrates for some people with haemophilia.

“It was essential to ensure that there were enough of these products in New Zealand for the people who needed them,” Peeni Henare said.