The recent heatwave has caused blood supplies to hit dangerously low levels.

Almost 13,000 blood donations are needed before Christmas to boost blood-bank supplies which have dropped to half the ideal level.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is looking for donors to help replenish its supplies, after a recent drop in donations.

People are being asked to donate blood, especially this week as supplies are low.

THE Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is hoping that enough people will attend its special donor clinics tomorrow to rule out the risk of hospitals cancelling surgery next week.

A MAJOR drive is being made by the blood bank this weekend to encourage more people to donate after supplies hit a critical level because of the severe weather.

THE Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires about 12,500 blood donations this month, so that hospitals will have enough supplies for Christmas and the new year.

A TOTAL of 10,000 blood donations are needed over the next three weeks to avoid a serious shortage in hospitals over the summer months, the blood bank warned yesterday.

More than 13,000 blood donations are needed to maintain stocks over Christmas, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service said today.