IBTS concerned about blood supply for December, Christmas and New Year period

The IBTS is concerned that blood supplies will be difficult between now and Christmas – New Year period and is urging donors to make a special effort to give blood during this time.  IBTS expects 14000 donations will be needed in this period.

 “Traditionally holiday periods and especially the lead into the Christmas/New Year festivities present significant difficulties in sustaining the blood supply. This will be more difficult this year because of:

  •  The impact of the increase in the donor haemoglobin threshold level resulting in the loss of 1500 donations in December
  •  The mid week timing of Christmas day and New Year’s day affects our most productive donation collection days. In an effort to counter these donation losses all IBTS fixed centre and mobile collection teams will be deployed for additional clinics on Sunday before Christmas (Dec 22nd), Sunday Dec 29th and the Sunday after New Year’s day (5th Jan D'Olier Street only). Clinic details can be obtained on www.giveblood.ie.

 “We are urging donors all over the country, but especially in urban areas to give a priceless gift this Christmas – give blood” said IBTS Director of Operations Paddy Bowler.

 ENDS