Narrabri’s blood collections were being done at the Crossing Theatre when collectors visited.

The Red Cross Blood Service have stopped the visiting collections in small towns as they increase the hours of collection is major regional centres, including Tamworth and Armidale.

The service said changes to the northern NSW blood collection network was being driven by advancements in healthcare.

“We’re getting better as a nation at determining when to use blood, leading to fewer transfusion-related complications for patients,” NSW/ACT donor services manager Steve Eldridge said.

“This is great news, and to be celebrated. Patients are receiving better health care, and medical advances by clinicians means less blood is needed.”

Plasma now has more uses and is used to treat burns victims, trauma and cancer patients, those with blood and immunity disorders, and is used in creating vaccinations against chicken pox, hepatitis B and tetanus.

So, the larger regional centres will have more appointments to collect more plasma as of August.

“In the context of declining use of red cells and increasing need for plasma, staff will return to their base of operations, as those centres have the capacity to accept more donors, and the equipment to collect precious plasma donations,” Mr Eldridge said

“It also means they can no longer staff the demountable mobile services.”

Mr Eldridge said that in his time at the blood service change was constant and they needed to put their resources where they were most needed.

“Losing the ability to give blood might feel like a loss, and I want our donors in towns affected to know that we truly appreciate their generosity over the years,” Mr Eldridge said.

 “You have been a lifeline for many Australians.”