Like the preceding year, 2021 proved to be a challenging one due to the Covid-19 pandemic which left an impact on the National Blood Transfusion Service, where it was more difficult to attract donors due to the uncertainties and fear that this pandemic brought on. The NBTS helped in donor recruitment for the COVPLEX study that was held undertaken by the University of Malta in testing for Covid-19 antibodies. NBTS nursing staff also contributed to the Covid-19 vaccine rollout, where 26,689 vaccines were administered.
The Quality Award achieved in 2020 was successfully
maintained during this year through a series of mystery shopper exercises and
other meetings/action plans whereby recommendations were taken up, including the
installation and implementation of a Queuing System.
Mr Cutajar visited the NBTS for the signing of the quality standards during the public service week.
This year's World Blood Donor Day Slogan was 'Give blood
and keep the world beating'. This message emphasized the special contribution
that blood donors make to keep the world pulsating by saving lives and
improving patients' health.
Due to the pandemic,
the ceremony “Ħajr għad-Donaturi tad-Demm”, which is usually organised for
WBDD, had to be cancelled. However, the façades of the 3 Presidential Places, Marsa Bridges, Ministry for Health, Ministry for Social Security, Villa
Bighi, the Triton Fountain, the Local Council Association administrative
building, and the majority of Local Councils in Malta and Gozo were lit up in
red. The primary scope of this gesture was to thank all blood donors and also
to continue raising more awareness about the constant need for blood
donations. On the 14th June, His Excellency the President of Malta Dr George Vella, and Archbishop Mons. Charles J. Scicluna published
video messages relating to World Blood Donor Day. Furthermore, in the evening,
a colourful spotlight and laser light show was projected in front of Auberge de
Castile in Valletta under the patronage of The Prime Minister of Malta Dr
Robert Abela.
During the mentioned year, the Donation Area Manager Mr Angelo Degiorgio
retired after 20 years of service at the NBTS.