Offaly man honoured for incredible 500th donation by Blood Transfusion Service

An Offaly man was among three people honoured for their incredible 500th donation by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service celebrated the first time three platelet donors reached their 500th donation on the same day.

The three people honoured were John O’Halloran from Birr, Paul Dunphy from Portmarnock and Marcus Hand from Lucan

“The IBTS is delighted to mark such a special occasion today with three committed platelet donors. John, Marcus and Paul have between them donated 1500 platelet donations which is quite an achievement. We are grateful to them and to all of our donors for their commitment to the wellbeing of patients,” said Dr Andy Godfrey, IBTS Medical and Scientific Director.

“We urgently need more blood and platelet donors to support healthcare in Ireland. Platelets are essential for the survival of patients who have bone marrow and blood disorders, those undergoing cancer treatment, patients undergoing surgery and those with burns, and critically ill newborn babies. There are no alternative treatments for these patients, so without our committed platelet donors, we would be unable to help these patients in need.”

“Platelets last just seven days after donation, so it is critical that we have a constant supply. Our panel of platelet donors sits at just over 2,000 donors, and these individuals provide platelets for every patient in Ireland who needs them. Not everyone who is a blood donor is able to be a platelet donor and we are always looking for more donors to meet this critical demand. I would encourage anyone who is thinking of their new year’s resolutions to consider becoming a blood or platelet donor. Only 3% of our eligible population are blood donors, but around a quarter of us will need a blood transfusion at some point. Every donation saves lives and is an incredible gift to give.”

Criteria that apply to become a platelet donor
- 18 to 59 (before 60 th Birthday)
- Over 60kg (9.7st)
- No Blood Transfusion
- No pregnancy of any gestation (no children)
- No long-term anti-inflammatories or aspirin

There are wo platelet Clinics in Ireland
Dublin – National Blood Centre
Cork IBTS Centre – Grounds of Finbarr’s Hospital