Western Sweden will double its mobile blood donation capacity starting December 15. Two blood buses will now operate across Västra Götaland region instead of one. Health officials say this strengthens emergency preparedness while making daily donations more accessible.
The expansion could increase daily donation capacity by up to 120 units. Each blood bus collects donations at various locations throughout the region.
Linda Paulson, operations manager at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, explained the move in a statement. "By increasing the number of blood buses, we make it easier for more people to contribute to this vital effort," she said. "Every blood donation makes a difference for patients in healthcare."
Paulson emphasized that crisis preparation must happen before emergencies occur. "Preparations for a crisis or war situation need to happen before anything occurs. This transition is part of that work."
The changes include converting two fixed donation units at Frölunda Square and in Skene into bus stops. Eight additional bus stops will also be added across the region.
Stefan Jakobsson, unit manager at GeBlod, assured the public that removing fixed units won't reduce capacity. "We will instead increase availability because we distribute capacity across more locations," he wrote in an email. "To strengthen our preparedness and be more flexible in quickly adapting availability according to need, we need to increase mobile operations."
The shift toward mobile services reflects Sweden's broader focus on emergency readiness. Health authorities are clearly prioritizing flexibility over fixed infrastructure, though some might question whether temporary stops can truly replace permanent facilities for regular donors.
Where can I donate blood in Western Sweden?
Mobile blood buses will operate at multiple locations including Frölunda Square, Skene, and eight new stops across Västra Götaland region.
How many more donations will the additional bus collect?
Health officials estimate the second bus could increase daily capacity by up to 120 donations.