The Princess Grace Hospital is currently grappling with a severe blood shortage as the summer season reaches its peak. Blood donations have dropped significantly, with a 16 percent decline in July and an alarming 41 percent decrease in early August. Dr. Mélanie Rinaudo Gaujous, head of the Blood Transfusion Center at CHPG, issued a warning on Monaco Info, highlighting the potential risks this shortage poses to patients.
“We have noticed a real drop in blood donations, which will cause significant problems with blood product stocks for patients treated at CHPG, as well as at the Cardiothoracic Center and IM2S,” Dr. Rinaudo Gaujous explained.
The CHPG requires between 4,500 and 5,000 bags of blood annually to meet the needs of Monegasque patients. A single donation of whole blood can save up to three lives by providing red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. However, these blood products have limited shelf lives – 42 days for red blood cells, just seven days for platelets, and at least one year for plasma.
Dr. Rinaudo Gaujous emphasised the urgent need for all blood types, particularly Rh-negative blood, which is less common and often the first to run out. To help alleviate the shortage, residents are encouraged to make an appointment to donate blood via the Monaco Santé platform or by calling +377 97 98 98 20.
