The IBTS needs to collect 3,000 units of blood every week to maintain the national blood supply. The issue with blood is that noone knows who will need it, when they will need it, how much they may need, or what type they require.
As recently as 3 weeks ago, the blood stock had fallen to 3 days estimated supply, more than 58% down on the 7 day supply they generally run on.
March Clinics
Thursday 16th March 3.45-8pm – Tinahely Community Centre
Weds 29th & Thurs 30th March 5-8.30pm – Wicklow Educate Together National School, Hawkstown Road
Useful to note is the removal of certain blanket restrictions that had been in place with regard to blood donation. In their Statement of 28th November 2022, The Irish Blood Transfusion Service said: the IBTS will introduce a system of assessing each donor’s eligibility to donate on a person-by-person basis in relation to sexual history and risk, rather than applying risks associated with specific populations which have previously excluded some potential donors. This system is called Individual Donor Risk Assessment and is similar to the system that was introduced in the UK Blood Services in 2021.
Did you Know?
*One in four people will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lives
*Approximately 70,000 patients will have transfusions in Irish hospitals this year
*The average age of blood donors is 40.6 years old and rising. We need more young people to get involved in giving blood to ensure hospitals needs are met.
*With most blood lasting just 35 days, supply is always needed.
Spreading the news of upcoming Donor Clinics is vital in ensuring that blood supplies are maintained.
If you aren’t eligible to give blood but could spare an hour or two every few months, why not think about becoming a local volunteer?
*NB: Image above is for illustrative purposes only. To view current statistics on blood levels, please visit the Blood Transfusion Service website here.
