Appeal to Donegal people to donate blood as IBTS reports low stock and high demand

Blood donations clinics are being held in Donegal Town next week and anyone who can give blood is urged to make an appointment to attend.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is warning that hospital demand is rising while blood supplies are low. 

Due to Covid-19, clinics are by appointment only to ensure social distancing and donor safety.

The blood donation clinic is being held in the Abbey Hotel as follows:

Tuesday, February 8:

3pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9.30pm

Wednesday, February 9:

3pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9.30pm

Thursday, February 10

2.30pm to 6.30pm

Donors are asked to call 1850 731 137 between 9am and 5am to make an appointment. People are asked to have their Donor ID to hand if possible. First time donors are also welcome.

Donating blood is a simple way to make a huge difference to someone’s life. Blood donations save lives in times of great trauma for those who need them. People who benefit include road traffic victims, those undergoing major surgery, cancer patients and even unborn babies.

It is estimated that one in four of us will need a blood donation at some point in our lives, with around 70,000 transfusions likely to take place in Ireland’s hospitals this year. 

However, only 3% of the eligible population currently donate. For anybody who has never donated blood before, it is good to know that it is a straightforward process that takes place in a relaxed environment. The clinic staff are extremely friendly and helpful, and will be happy to answer questions and address concerns.

Changes to donor criteria mean that people who had previously been ineligible because of living in the UK can now donate blood. So too can those who have hereditary haemochromatosis, subject to meeting specific conditions.