Irish Blood Transfusion Service issues urgent appeal as blood stocks hit critical low
Olivia Kelleher
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is calling on donors to attend their clinics this week, as blood stocks are at a critical level after the Easter bank holiday weekend.
The service currently has just over a two-day supply of O positive and just over three days' supply of other key blood groups. It aims to have a week-long supply in stock at all times.
Barry Doyle, IBTS Director of Production and Hospital Services, told Cork’s 96FM that hospital demand for blood has been high, particularly during March.
“This has coincided with bank holidays around St Patrick’s day and Easter, with some donors taking advantage of the holidays and good weather, meaning they have been unavailable for clinics during that period.
“The IBTS aims to have seven days’ supply at all times; however, current supply levels for most groups are significantly below this, with Group O Positive being at its lowest level this year.
“We have added five extra clinics across the country for this Sunday, April 12th. We are also seeing lower booking rates than normal for our permanent centres in Dublin and Cork, and it’s vital we see these improve.
Ideally, we need to increase our collections by an additional 500 donations per week across all blood groups before the May bank holiday, to be able to meet the consistently high demand.”
Mr Doyle said that a stock management letter has been issued to all hospitals today advising them of the situation.
“This enables the IBTS to manage the limited blood supply available more effectively across the health service. We are working closely with the hospital teams to prevent the need to cancel elective surgery or restrict treatment of patients.
”We are asking regular donors to make an extra effort to attend their nearest clinic, especially in Dublin and Cork, where we have clinic availability every week.
Donors are encouraged to make an appointment, which is available online or by calling 1800 731 137. Donors can also Walk In, although they may face longer wait times than those with appointments.”l
“New donors are especially welcome, and we would encourage anybody interested in giving blood to visit their site to check their eligibility before coming to a clinic and call us on 1800 731137 to make an appointment.”
