Sir, - I write in response to the letter from G. Alken (August 30th) concerning "shortage of blood". The procurement of adequate supplies of blood is always challenging, especially during the summer. A blood transfusion service exists for the people and can only survive through people's generosity. The IBTS needs to collect 3,000 units of blood every week in order to supply hospitals throughout the country. Currently, only 3 per cent of the eligible population donates. If this were to increase to 4 per cent, there would be adequate supplies to meet hospital demands.
In regard to the specific request that we come down from our "ivory tower", I would like to assure Mr Alken and your other readers that the IBTS mobile units visit all the locations mentioned in the letter. In fact, we are generously supported by over 300 companies in the Dublin region and by others throughout the country. We visit all the colleges, where students support us in large numbers. Our clinic in D'Olier Street is open five days per week, including lunchtime.
If there are organisations which we do not currently attend we would like to hear from them. We would also appeal to donors who have stopped donating to return and support what is a vital national service. When you consider that one in four people will require a transfusion in their lifetime, it is unfortunate that more people do not donate.
However, we will continue to make it as easy as possible for them to do so while all the time ensuring the safety of the blood supply. - Yours, etc.,
Andrew Kelly, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Irish Blood Transfusion Service, James's Street, Dublin 8.