Study shows powerful impact of GP referrals for blood donation
02 Sep 2025
GPs play key role in boosting life-saving blood donations from haemochromatosis patients
New research shows that GPs are central to increasing blood donations from people with haemochromatosis, a condition that causes iron overload and affects about one in 200 Australians.
In 2023, the RACGP and Australian Red Cross Lifeblood launched a campaign encouraging patients with haemochromatosis to donate blood instead of discarding it through standard treatment. The campaign included a simple GP referral tool, making it easier for patients to donate.
Since then, donations from people with the condition have risen by 2500, helping to save an estimated 7500 extra lives.
A study published in the Australian Journal of General Practice (AJGP) found that nearly half of surveyed donors (48.3%) donated because their GP recommended it, while 62.5% were motivated knowing their blood would help others.
Dr Peter Bentley, Senior Medical Officer at Lifeblood, said this highlights the influence of GPs.
“Most people we surveyed came because their GP suggested it – and they wanted to know their blood was helping the community,” he said.
Lifeblood runs a therapeutic venesection program, where GPs can refer patients using the High Ferritin App. Donations are then collected safely at donor centres and used to make blood products.
Currently, Lifeblood handles about one-third of therapeutic donations, while the remaining two-thirds are discarded elsewhere – around 70,000 donations wasted each year. Dr Bentley urged more referrals so that treatment benefits both patients and the community.
Patient Adam Wray, diagnosed at age 45, now donates monthly in Perth. With 21 donations so far, he has saved 60 lives.
“There’s a fair bit of blood that needs to be removed, and if it can help others, that’s great,” he said.
RACGP WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman encouraged GPs to use the referral tool.
“It’s profound to make blood donation part of patient care. It’s simple, rewarding, and helps others,” she said.
Treating haemochromatosis by donating blood is free, safe, and highly beneficial. As Dr Raman noted:
“It’s a win-win – patients get essential treatment, and their blood saves lives.”
Source Racgp