EWMSC Blood Bank Plans 8 p.m. Closing Time

The Full Story

A later closing time could make blood donation easier for people who cannot leave work during the day. At a Saturday blood drive, North Central Regional Health Authority chairman Dr Tim Gopeesingh said the blood bank at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex plans to collect donations until 8 p.m. The Guardian reported his remarks on 25 October. Gopeesingh said a shift arrangement was being finalised with nursing staff and the National Blood Transfusion Service; he did not announce an effective date.

Sources: Trinidad Guardian, 25 Oct 2026 ↗ · Ministry of Health blood-donation directory ↗ · NCRHA Board of Directors ↗

The Health Ministry’s public blood-donation page still lists the EWMSC collection centre as open Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. That is the published operating schedule until the authority issues a dated change. The Ministry says the National Blood Transfusion Service collects, screens and distributes blood and components through six hospital centres and a mobile unit. Its current listing includes the EWMSC phone number, 225-HOPE (4673), extensions 2008, 2059 or 2231, for donors to confirm arrangements before travelling.

Sources: Ministry of Health blood-donation directory ↗

Gopeesingh told the Guardian the centre collects roughly 600 to 700 units of blood per month. That is his estimate for this centre, not a verified national total. A longer shift would change access for potential donors, but the report gives no staffing roster, funding detail, first operating date or target for additional donations. Those details will determine whether the proposed evening hours become a usable service rather than an announcement.

Sources: Trinidad Guardian, 25 Oct 2026 ↗ · Ministry of Health blood-donation directory ↗

Evidence and Context

The immediate change is a stated plan, while the Health Ministry’s posted hours remain 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The difference matters to donors deciding when to visit. Gopeesingh’s monthly collection figure provides context, but the published records reviewed here do not show whether extended hours would increase it.

Evening collection could help donors who work during current hours. Until a start date and revised schedule are published, arriving after 3 p.m. would rely on an unconfirmed service change.

What Happens Next

Check NCRHA and Health Ministry notices for the first 8 p.m. date, days covered, donor cut-off time and updated contact details. Compare later collection figures with a dated baseline if the authority publishes them.