'Every donor plays a vital role': Blood Transfusion Service issues urgent appeal for donations 

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) has issued a call for RhD negative blood donations, with people across Cork urged to maintain high levels of attendance seen at clinics in recent months.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) has issued a call for RhD negative blood donations, with people across Cork urged to maintain high levels of attendance seen at clinics in recent months.

The IBTS are urgently seeking immediate RhD negative blood donations as there is currently a shortage of stocks, particularly with O negative blood, as well as A negative, and B negative groups.

The service said it has officially issued a pre-amber alert for conservative blood use as their stock of RhD negative blood is now at less than three days supply.

Director of donor experience and collections at the IBTS, Sharon Ryan told the Irish Examiner that the service has observed high uptake at clinics in Cork, and hopes this trend will continue in the weeks to come.

"There are four maternity hospitals served by the IBTS in Cork, this includes the CUMH, as well as hospitals in Kerry, Clonmel and Limerick," said Ms Ryan.

"O negative blood is commonly used in maternity and neo-natal care, which is worth highlighting.

"We have a fixed centre at St Finbarr's in Cork, and in recent weeks we've had clinics in Ringaskiddy, Bantry and Skibbereen.

"The uptake at Cork clinics is very good, and we need that to continue to see us through.

"We don't know what's ahead of us in terms of weather disruptions, there will be more illness, and we have a bank holiday at the end of the month, so we really want to see attendances increase if at all possible."

Ms Ryan said while just 8% of the Irish population have O negative blood, which is a "special universal blood type", it accounts for 16% of all of the blood issued by the service.

"This means it is always in significant demand and we are currently experiencing particular pressure for this type, in addition to A negative and B negative groups” Ms Ryan.

"A pre-amber alert has been issued in line with the National Blood Shortage Plan, which requests conservative use of blood, and donations are needed to avoid the cancellation of elective surgeries requiring blood support.

"To respond to patient need and meet hospital demand we are appealing to our loyal and dedicated RhD negative donors across the country to make an extra effort to attend a clinic if at all possible."

Every donor plays a 'vital role'

Ms Ryan further said that blood donations are essential for the service as "there is no substitute for blood".

"Blood is needed every day to support patients in hospitals, including those undergoing surgery, receiving treatment for cancer, and those requiring emergency care," said Ms Ryan.

"All patients can receive O negative blood which means it can be critical in emergency situations.

"Every donor plays a vital role in helping to save and improve lives."

The IBTS will host 1,000 appointments in the next four weeks to achieve a boost in stocks.

The service said this is needed to help ensure the national blood supply remains resilient throughout upcoming seasonal challenges such as bank holidays, higher levels of illness, and potential wintery conditions.

Potential new donors are welcomed and are asked to check their eligibility online prior to attending a clinic.

Appointments can be arranged online or by phone at 1800 731 137, with walk-in donors welcomed where possible.

In advance of the upcoming bank holiday on October 26, the IBTS will hold additional clinics on October 11, October 18, and November 1.

Further details on upcoming clinics will be shared via the IBTS website: www.giveblood.ie.