Saving lives from Springwood

Every fortnight, Springwood resident Geoff Yee saves lives – and he’s been doing so for the past 43 years.

Many of his Fridays are spent at the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Donor Centre in Springwood, where he donates the liquid portion of blood called plasma.

Plasma is a life-saving donation for many patients, from burn injury survivors to those with chronic illnesses.

Geoff is now one of Logan’s top donors with almost 500 plasma donations under his belt – and he’s not stopping any time soon.

‘Every blood donation can save 3 lives, so it’s a good thing to do for the community,’ Geoff says.

‘My mum was a nurse at a blood bank and I’m a nurse now too – you can see the good it’s doing in the hospital for people in need.

‘I can see where it starts and where it ends with nice people getting some blood.’

And although Geoff isn’t fond of needles and likes to squeeze a stress ball during the process, he’s been coming back to the centre for years.

‘I know most of the nurses now and I’m always made to feel welcome, everyone is so friendly,’ he says.

‘I’ve also been lucky enough to go to awards ceremonies where I’ve met government ministers and even the Mayor.

‘But I don’t do it for awards, I do it for fellow man. You never know when your own family may need a blood donation down the line, so it’s always a nice feeling to donate and know you’ve done some good.’

Donors are guided through the entire process at the donor centre, which takes around 45 minutes.

‘It only hurts for a split second – all I do is close my eyes and next thing you know, it’s over and the nurses unhook you,’ Geoff says.

The final part of each session takes place at the snack bar, where donors are encouraged to have some complimentary morning or afternoon tea.

Red Cross Lifeblood Account Manager Wes Thomas says plasma is needed more than ever.

‘One in every 3 people will need donated blood in their lifetime and plasma is the most versatile part of our blood,’ he says.

‘Whole blood donors can only donate every 3 months, while plasma donors can donate every 2 weeks because red cells are returned to the donor.

‘You can make 17 different types of blood products out of it, which helps a lot of people.’

The Springwood Donor Centre is open 7 days a week and is located at 139-143 Barbaralla Drive, Springwood.

To book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the free Donate Blood app.