IBTS announces additional collection clinics to safeguard the blood supply over Christmas

Monday 10th December 2012   

 IBTS announces additional collection clinics to safeguard the blood supply over Christmas

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service today (Monday) urged people to make a special effort to give blood between now and Christmas, as 13,000 donations are needed to maintain the blood supply over the Christmas/New Year period. 

“Low attendances at clinics since the October bank holiday weekend has left  the blood supply very tight in recent weeks.  The most common blood groups have regularly been at the four day stock level in recent weeks. Additional clinics have been scheduled for Sunday December 16th:

Castlecomer Co Kilkenny

St John’s Pavilion Limerick

Navan Community Centre

St Finbarr’s Hospital Cork

D’Olier St Dublin

On Monday December 17th an additional clinic has been scheduled in Ballyhaunis.

“Today, there are 4 days supply of the main blood groups in stock; which means that meeting hospital requirements over the forthcoming holiday period is a particularly difficult challenge. Ideally, we would like to have 7 days supply,” said IBTS Director of Operations Paddy Bowler.

“We are urging donors, all over the country, but especially in urban areas to give a priceless gift this Christmas - give blood.  Approximately 16% of all people who attend can not give blood on any given day, therefore we actually need about 16,000 people to attend our clinics in the coming weeks to reach our target of 13,000 donations.  

 

ENDS