IBTS seeks 13,500 blood donations in June

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service today (Monday) launched its Summer campaign urging people to make a special effort to give blood over the coming weeks. 

 “By the middle of this week blood supply levels will be down to 4 days in most blood groups. We need 13,500 donations in June if we are to maintain the blood supply and avoid shortages,  that’s an extra 400 people a week compared to last month coming into our clinics. This is a World Cup year and traditionally big international sports events have an impact on attendance at donation clinics,” said Paddy Bowler, Director of Operations.

“June is also the beginning of the summer holiday period which usually presents difficulties in sustaining the blood supply as donations decline.  Haemoglobin deferrals increase from 8% to 12% over the Summer months, due to warmer weather and then typically the holiday season starts at the end of June, so we are asking donors to give blood in June and throughout the summer.  

“Blood lasts just 35 days and platelets 5 days, so we need people constantly coming to our clinics to maintain a consistent supply. Patients do not go on holidays so we are asking those donors who can, to give the gift of life to those patients.  Do not leave it to someone else this Summer and please make a special effort to give blood over the coming weeks.” 

 ENDS

Note to Editor

The IBTS needs to collect 3,000 donations a week

Blood lasts just 35 days. Platelets and Neonatal blood lasts between 5 and 7 days only.

IBTS aims to hold about 7 days supply of blood at any given time

47% of the population are O positive

8% of the population are O negative but this blood groups represents 14% of all blood used.

Just 3% of the eligible population give blood

Donors give on average 1.6 times a year. They may be able to donate up to 4 times a year.