Give before you go Campaign

IBTS seeks 10,000 donations over next 3 weeks as part of 'Give before you go' campaign

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service today (Monday) launched its summer campaign urging people to make a special effort to give blood before they go on holidays this year.

"We need 10,000 donations over the next 3 weeks if we are to avoid serious blood shortages over the summer months. Hospital demand for blood and blood products has increased this year on last year and we have just got through a very difficult week and bank holiday weekend without incident, thanks to the generosity of the donors who responded to our request for donations," said Paddy Bowler, Director of Operations.

"This however, is only the beginning of the summer holiday period. Traditionally holiday periods present difficulties in sustaining the blood supply as donations are generally lower. The exam season starts this week, and we are asking donors to give blood before the holiday season proper starts when the exams are over, at the end of June. As more and more people holiday in exotic locations, they are often unable to give blood for some time after they return, so that is why we are asking donors to give blood before they go abroad.

"With blood lasting 35 days and platelets 5 days we need people constantly coming to our clinics to maintain a consistent supply. Patients do not go on holidays but we are asking those who can go to give the gift of life to those patients. Do not leave it to someone else this Summer and make a special effort to give blood over the coming weeks."

ENDS