IBTS urging donors to come forward in Clare following shortages

THE IRISH Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is asking donors in Clare to come forward for the New Year period.

This is as a result of the high the level of sickness in the community, with almost 20% of all appointments being cancelled weekly.

“We really need blood donor’s help, we know it’s been hard and our donors have been amazing in their support. Donating blood is a selfless act for the person who gives it but is a priceless gift to the person who receives it. For the next 3 weeks, we will need to make over 10,000 appointments to safely support the health service over Christmas and the New Year,” said Paul McKinney Director of Donor Services and Logistics.

Around 200 patients receive transfusions in Irish hospitals each day, and the demand for blood is constant.

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"We rely on our donors and are urging them to give a priceless gift this Christmas, the gift of life,” Mr McKinney added

If you receive a text from the IBTS to make an appointment please do so and make sure to do their eligibility test on www.giveblood.ie before you do to make sure you can give blood on this occasion.

If you do make an appointment please try and keep it as we are having large amounts of no shows and cancellations at short notice. We would also like to thank donors for their incredible support in what has been a very challenging year for everybody and we hope they continue that support into 2023, they said.

Further clinic information can be found on www.giveblood.ie.