To boost supply in advance of bank holiday weekend

Tuesday 21^st October 2008

IBTS seeks blood donations to boost supply in advance of the bank holiday weekend.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service today (Tuesday) urged people to make a special effort to give blood over the coming weeks.

“The overall blood stock level is currently 4.5 days and any reduction below this level is a cause of concern. In September of this year the IBTS issued approximately 15% more units of blood compared to September 2007. This is an increase of 1629 units which amounts to 2.5 days collections.

Blood issues in October continue to be higher than predicted. This is resulting in a decrease in our blood stocks.

“If this trend continues it will impact significantly on our ability to meet the continuing demands from hospitals”, said IBTS Director of Operations Paddy Bowler.

The IBTS is asking donors to make a special effort to give blood in the lead up to the bank holiday weekend and in the weeks following. For information on a clinic near you log on to www.giveblood.ie

ENDS

For further information contact David Burbridge at 087/2316853