IBTS Restores Blood Supply to Hospitals
Following the phenomenal response of the public to the national appeal for blood donors earlier this week, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service is currently filling hospital orders for blood and will continue to do so over the weekend. The IBTS have advised hospitals that they can resume normal schedules from Monday.
"1,059 units of blood were collected yesterday in donor clinics throughout the country and those units are currently being tested in our laboratories and will be available for distribution tomorrow evening." 2,997 units of blood were collected on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week, meaning at least 3,500 people, turned out to give blood in those 3 days. This is a fantastic response and we hope and expect it to continue over the coming weeks and that people who gave blood this week will come back to us again in 90 days". Approximately, 1,000 people receive blood transfusions every week in our hospitals.
The IBTS paid tribute to many donors who queued to give blood over the past few days. "When we have a crisis appeal, we receive a huge response from people which inevitably leads to some delays as all donors have to go through a screening process before they actually get to the donation bed. For those people who couldnt come in this week, please do so over the coming weeks as blood only lasts for 35 days. Therefore a staggered response from the public will mean a longer life for the nations blood supply."
Blood donor clinics this Sunday will take place in DOlier St. Dublin (11.am 3.00pm) and Bunclody (11.30am 3.00pm.).
