Urgent call for blood donations in Cork as stocks dwindle

THE Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) has issued an urgent call for blood donations in Cork and elsewhere.

The organisation is seeking an additional 2,000 blood donations over the next four weeks to help the national blood supply as some blood groups have fallen to under three days of stock.

“We are asking regular donors who are texted over the next few weeks to make an extra effort to attend their nearest clinic, especially in Dublin and Cork, where we have clinic availability every week,” said Paul McKinney, director of donor services and logistics. “This is vital to address the current increased demand from hospitals.

“For the longer term, we would also urge donors to consider giving blood if they are eligible before they go on holidays this summer.”

Mr McKinney said a pre-amber alert letter was issued to all hospitals on June 25, restricting issues of O negative blood, and hospitals have been asked to reduce their stock holding.

“This enables the IBTS to manage the limited blood supply available more effectively across the health service,” said Mr McKinney.

“If the IBTS has to issue an ‘amber alert letter’, which is the next escalation level of the blood shortage plan, it would have an immediate implication for hospitals and for elective surgical procedures requiring blood support.”

People can check their eligibility to give blood at www.giveblood.ie/become-a-donor/