Call for blood donors as stocks 'urgently' need replenishing

The IBTS has clinics available and appointments can be booked online. File picture: Getty Images 

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) has said 15,000 new donors are needed this year to ensure the stability of the national blood supply.

High demand from hospitals and an increase in illness among donors in 2023 led to an appeal in October for further donations.

The IBTS has now said it "urgently" needs to replenish its stocks.

IBTS director of donor services and logistics Paul McKinney said: "The demand for blood is constant and on any given day 200 patients receive transfusions in Irish hospitals. We supply blood products 365 days a year and we issued blood and platelets for transfusion to hospitals over the Christmas and new year holiday period.

"We now need to urgently replenish these stocks, so we are urging existing and new donors please to give a priceless gift this new year — the gift of blood."

The IBTS has clinics available and appointments can be booked online.

Mr McKinney continued: "The IBTS needs an additional 15,000 new donors this year and every year to ensure the national blood supply remains secure and stable.

"We particularly need new donors and donors with D negative blood types, that is A, B and O negative.

"I would ask people who have not donated before to please consider starting this year and make it your new year's resolution to become a blood donor. 

"By doing so you will save or improve someone else’s life. We are also asking people of African heritage to become blood donors, which will help us to diversify our donor pool and better match blood for specific patients.” 

Existing donors are encouraged to book online on the appointment system and new donors are asked to register their interest.