IBTS seeks 1000 additional blood donations before Easter

Sunday 26^th March 2006

IBTS seeks 1,000 additional blood donations before Easter to maintain hospital supplies

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service today (Sunday) urged people to make a special effort to give blood before Easter, as an additional 1,000 units are needed to maintain the blood supply at adequate level. 

About 200 patients a day are now in receipt of blood or blood products and the increased demand from hospitals is putting a strain on existing blood stocks.  The changing demographic profile whereby the population is increasing and ageing, combined with more intensive medical interventions involving the use of blood and blood products all contribute to a greater demand for blood. said Kieran Healy Donor Services Manager.

Currently, there are 4 days of blood supply in the blood bank; to guarantee meeting hospital requirements we need 10 days supply. This is why we need to collect an extra 1,000 units between now and Easter.

We are asking donors, all over the country to make a special effort to give blood, especially in Dublin, as the level of donations is disproportionately low to the population size in the capital.  

Traditionally holiday periods such as Easter and public holidays present difficulties in sustaining the blood supply as donations are generally lower. As demand is increasing, we are asking new and regular donors to make a special effort to give blood over the coming weeks. 

ENDS

For further information contact: David Burbridge at 087 2316853