People being urged to give blood this January in light of dwindling blood supplies across the State.
Chief executive of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) Andy Kelly has called on people to donate blood over the next few weeks to bolster depleted supplies and to ensure the service can meet demand from hospitals.
“Nationally we now have between four to five days’ supply in the three major blood groups – O positive, A positive and O negative,” Mr Kelly said. “Our requirement is six to seven days’ supply of blood.”
He added that blood supplies were running low nationally and he was asking people to come into the IBTS clinics so there would be six to seven days’ supply through February and March.
“We need to ensure that we have this consistent supply to hospitals across the country so we can meet demand for elective surgery, cancer treatment and for people who have experienced trauma,” he said.
“The hospitals don’t need to have to worry about blood being there for patients when they need it.”
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is increasing its clinics over the next few weeks in an attempt to halt the decline.
Extra clinics will be held tomorrow at Kilkenny, Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, and Mountbellew, Co Galway.
For further information log on to giveblood.ieor call 1850 731137