Blood bank stock levels face shortage

The blood bank is facing a shortage of supply if demand continues to rise at its current rate.

There has been a 6% increase in the amount of blood issued to hospitals so far this year.

New donations are up, but the threat of emerging diseases, like the West Nile Virus and variant CJD, are excluding some people from becoming suitable donors.

Chief Executive of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, Andrew Kelly, says that many new donors are needed but that repeat donations are the key to maintaining stocks.