local nurse inspires others to roll up their sleeves
By Deanne Jeffers
WHEN she was four-years-old and undergoing treatment for cancer, what stood out most to Bronte Alexander was the kindness of nurses and the lifesaving platelets treatment she received.
Now working at Goulburn Valley Health as a nurse herself, largely due to the influence of those caring nurses, Bronte is also leading by example and donating blood as part of the 2024 Health Service Blood Drive.
“Nurses lead by example,” said Bronte. “I received treatment for 18 months and platelets were the main treatment I remember, as well as the positive memories of the nurses.”
“Being on the receiving end of healthcare definitely influenced me into adulthood.”
While acutely aware of how important blood products are to healthcare patients, because she had cancer, Bronte thought she would be ineligible to donate blood. This was not the case, and Bronte is urging others to make the appointment and check whether they can donate.
“It’s worth giving a go. Donating blood is a small thing most people can do to help others.”
Every week Lifeblood needs 33,000 blood and plasma donation Australia-wide to meet patient demand. Cancer patients, people in surgery, people with blood conditions and women in childbirth are among the main users of donated blood.
Bronte’s donation will be added to GV Health’s tally in the Lifeblood Health Services Blood Drive. The campaign provides health professionals with an opportunity to save lives on and off the job, and runs from April 1 to June 30.
All workplaces and organisations can get involved by creating a Lifeblood team. For more information, visit www.lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.
