IBTS publishes 2012 Annual Report
141, 350 donations collected in 2012
The IBTS today (Thursday) published its Annual Report for 2012. IBTS Chief Executive Andy Kelly said that the number of donations collected in 2012 was just over 5,000 less than in 2011. “This was due to a higher deferral rate of 18.49% which was primarily as a result of a change in the management of blood haemoglobin levels which saw the deferral rate rise to 25% on occasions.
“Overall, 2012 was a very busy and challenging year. We transferred the recombinant business, we consolidated virology testing, we introduced selective testing for West Nile Virus, we developed and implemented an Electronic Ordering System and began using the Balanced Scorecard methodology to develop the next Strategic Plan. Since 2008 the IBTS has reduced its cost base by 21% and there has been a 10% decrease in the number of staff employed. In spite of this, maintaining very high standards of quality and service to patients and donors remains our priority.”
IBTS Medical & Scientific Director Dr Ian Franklin drew attention to the success of the Haemochromatosis Programme in Stillorgan. “The IBTS has recently commenced a service for people with Haemochromatosis at its D’Olier Street clinic and it is hoped to extend this service later in the year at the fixed Centre in Cork.
“The IBTS also participates in the Emerging Infectious Disease Monitor which was set up by the European Blood Alliance. A monthly conference call brings together countries throughout Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand to share current evidence of disease spread that might, even remotely cause a concern to the blood supply. Conditions such as Dengue fever, a tropical infection spread by mosquitoes and Hepatitis E a food borne virus with potential for blood spread are important concerns.”
The 2012 Annual Report available at the following link:
http://www.giveblood.ie/About_Us/Publications_Guidelines/Annual_Reports/IBTS_Annual_Report_2012.pdf
ENDS
Some facts and figures
The IBTS needs to collect 3,000 units of blood every week.
85,762 donors gave 141,350 donations in 2012
Of these, 48,662 were men and 37,100 were women
Over 15,000 donors gave blood for the first time in 2012, over 50% of these were between 18 and 24.
The breakdown by blood group of the donor population is as follows:
O positive 45%
O negative 9%
A positive 25%
A negative 5%
B positive 10%
B negative 2%
AB positive 3%
AB negative 1%
