Appeal for donors as blood supplies ‘critically low’

AN URGENT appeal has been issued for blood donations, with three clinics being held in the Green Isle Hotel at the end of January.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) has this week asked for immediate public and donor support to help recover the national blood supply.

In its appeal, IBTS said that blood supply in some groups has frequently fallen to just three days in recent weeks.

Normally, the IBTS tries to have seven days stock at all times.

Paul McKinney, Director of Donor Services and Logistics said: “Hospitals have been experiencing extreme pressures recently and there has been a sustained high demand for blood.

“The recent high level of respiratory illness in the community has also impacted the collection of blood and as a result we are running critically low across all blood groups.

“In order to avoid putting further pressure on our hospital system, we need as many donors as possible to attend donation clinics over the coming days.”

The IBTS need to collect 3,000 units of blood every week to maintain the national blood supply.

“Support from our donors has as usual been superb over the last few challenging months and we are very grateful for that”, Mr McKinney said.

“We constantly need new donors and anybody interested in becoming a new donor should register their interest on our website where you will also find all clinic locations / opening hours and all frequently asked questions.

“If you receive a text message from us, please respond to the number provided and make an appointment, RhD negative donors can attend any clinic and they will be accommodated.”

The IBTS has additional clinics running this month, with three clinics being held in the Green Isle Hotel in Clondalkin on Sunday, January 29, Monday, January 30, and Tuesday, January 31.

All clinics are appointment only, Freephone 1800 731 137 to book.

For further details and clinic times, visit the IBTS’ website giveblood.ie.