IBTS: Demand is constant for blood transfusions

The call is going out for people to remember to give blood over the festive season.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is trying to make it as easy as possible for donors to pay a visit, with extra clinics being organised on Saturdays and Sundays.

Up to 15,000 donations are needed in the coming weeks to keep up hospital supplies.

Paddy Bowler is the Operations Director for the IBTS and he says he understands people are busy, but they still need donations.

Mr Bowler said: "It's certainly not at the front of people's minds, but the demand is constant.

"About 200 people are transfused every day, we are issuing product 365 days of the year and there is no substitute for it.

"So, we must have it on the shelf to support the patients in hospitals."