Blood transfusion service urgently calling for more Cork donors

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is seeking immediate public and donor support to help boost the national blood supply as current supplies are under three days across most blood groups.

Paul McKinney, IBTS’s director of donor services and logistics, said: “Despite strong collections over the last two months, high hospital demand and increasing levels of respiratory illness within the community has impacted our collections and we need the public’s help.

“In order to respond to patient need and meet hospital demand we need more than 12,000 donations over the coming days and weeks to restore the blood supply and safely support our health service.”

In advance of the upcoming public holiday on October 27, they will be holding additional clinics on Sunday, October 19, and after the bank holiday weekend, he said.

In 2024 the IBTS issued the highest number of blood donation units to Irish hospitals in over a decade, at just under 128,500 units, and this exceptionally high demand has further increased during 2025.

The IBTS urgently needs new donors, younger donors, donors of all ethnicities, and particularly those of African heritage.

Mr McKinney said: “We are asking people who might never have given blood before, or it’s been a while, to make it their goal to give blood, and the priceless gift of life, to those in our communities and hospitals who need it.”

Donors who receive a text message from the IBTS can book an appointment online at www.giveblood.ie or contact the number provided. You can find details on clinic locations, opening hours and eligibility details online or by calling 1800 731 137.