Blood transfusion service launches Christmas appeal for 12,500 donors
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.
IBTS operations director Paddy Bowler said its stocks were currently in a healthy state with between three and 12 days’ supply, depending on the blood group.
He said the blood bank was confident it would have a steady stream of donors this month after the launch of its Christmas advertising this week.
Mr Bowler said it was not unusual for blood banks throughout the world to experience a blood shortage at this time of the year.
“At this time of year people are focused on their family and having a good time and not at the need to keep donating blood,” he said.
“Our stocks are in a healthy state but we do need 12,500 donors to come forward in December to ensure we have adequate supplies between Christmas and the new year. That’s the main message.”
He also urged people whose blood is B negative or O negative to offer a donation this month. The bank’s current blood supply shows it has only three days’ supply of B negative and five days’ supply of O negative.
“We can survive with stocks at that level for both groups but we would like to boost supply coming into Christmas,” he said.
More than 1,000 people receive transfusions every week in Ireland and 3,000 blood donors are needed every week.
A car accident victim may require up to 30 units of blood; a bleeding ulcer can require between three and 30 units and a coronary artery bypass may use one to five units.
*Details on IBTS clinics can be found at www.giveblood.ie or on lo-call 1850 731 137.
