IBTS urges public to donate blood

People are being urged to make a special effort to make blood donations over the next few weeks.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is urging people to come forward before Easter, as an additional 1,000 units are needed to maintain the supply at an adequate level.

IBTS spokesman Ciarán Healy explained that the increasing demand from hospitals is putting an extra strain on existing stocks.