Sir, - Like Mr Dolan (June 10th), I too noted with great interest, the television appeal by the Blood Transfusion Service Board on the night of May 28th, seeking extra donors for the supply of essential blood and blood products to keep up with hospital demand. Emphasis was placed on the expected shortfall during the World Cup.
Anticipating a large increase in donors at Pelican House after the report, I waited until Friday, June 5th, to attend. On arrival at the clinic, I found that it was closed. The only people present were two other prospective donors awaiting information. After some time, we were told by a cleaning lady that the unit was closed on Fridays, she understood that this closure was a trial run.
In the period after such an appeal to the public, it seems strange that the BTSB at Pelican House are operating reduced hours for donations. Obviously the potential for a critical situation with regard to blood shortage is not such an immediate threat after all. - Yours, etc., Robert Grealy,
Ranelagh, Dublin 6.