Blood Donors respond in vast numbers to the call for blood

Blood Donors respond in vast numbers to the call for blood

Following a national appeal for blood donations on January 7th, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service is delighted to report that the blood supply is at its best for sometime.

Due to adverse weather conditions over the Christmas period clinics were cancelled in Kildare, Clare, Tipperary and Limerick while nationwide IBTS saw attendances drop by between 20 and 25%,  resulting in just 2 days supply of critical blood groups O negative and A negative.

Within an hour of the national appeal, traffic to www.giveblood.ie went up to almost 7,000 visitors from an average of 200 visitors per day. Membership to www.facebook.com/giveblood rose to over 7,000 with 60% of fans under the age of 34 yrs.

One donor on the IBTS facebook page thanked fellow donors for giving blood during the appeal on behalf of her father who was in intensive care and receiving blood and platelets.

Within a week of the call for donors, the national blood supply has risen to 7 days and over in all blood groups. In the first 3 weeks of 2010 we have recruited 1,543 new donors, over 50% aged between 18-34 yrs; which is outstanding and very encouraging for the future of the Irish blood supply.

On behalf of patients and recipients we would like to commend and thank the people of Ardee, Balbriggan, Rush, Post Bank, Bank Of Ireland (Global Markets), Kilkenny, Douglas, Carrigaline, Dublin City centre, the Air Corps, Clondalkin, Hartstown, Dun Laoghaire, Ennis, Limerick, Castleisland, Cork city and Athlone for their overwhelming support and solidarity at a critical time for Irish healthcare.

“Donors once again answered our call for help and braved the elements and show how much they care for their fellow human beings.  Your generosity of spirit will make a difference to so many people, for that we thank you,” said Chief Executive Andrew Kelly.

Attendances to clinics is now up an average of 32% on estimates and blood stock predictions show that supply should be sufficient up to the second week in March.

To find out how you can help please locall 1850 731 137

Notes to the Editor

  • The IBTS needs approximately 3,000 units of blood per week
  • You can give blood every 3 months
  • The process takes approximately one hour depending on the donor
  • Full time clinics in Dublin; D’Olier Street and Stillorgan, (Old Dublin Road)
  • Mobile clinics are located around the country.
  • Full time clinic in Cork; St. Finbarr’s (Douglas Road)
  • You can save up to 3 lives with one blood donation
  • In 2009 our top 5 counties for donations per thousand of population were Cavan, Waterford, Monaghan, Carlow and Wexford.
  • More statistics available on request.

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