Appeal for blood donors to attend Tipperary clinic this week

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is calling for more blood donations as stock levels in hospitals are falling dangerously low. 

“The IBTS aims to have 7 days supply, but current levels including O negative, A negative and B negative are under 3 days supply and O positive (at nearly half the population) is very low at 3.5 days,” said Paul McKinney, Director of Donor Services and Logistics.

‘’A pre-amber alert letter was issued to all hospitals on the 27th of September, restricting issues of certain blood groups 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. 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’’ he added.

Potential new donors should visit giveblood.ie and take their quick eligibility test or call 1800 731137 to make an appointment. 

The next clinic in Tipperary will be at the Scouts Hall in Nenagh on Tuesday 8th, Wednesday 9th & Thursday 10th October 2024 from 4.50pm – 8.10pm and new donors are welcome.

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