Blood transfusion service launches Christmas appeal for 12,500 donors

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.

Last month, hospitals faced the prospect of cancelling surgical procedures before donors rallied to the blood bank’s call for more donations.

It was the first time since June 2005 that the IBTS got into a tight supply situation and had to make a special public appeal.