Blood supply hits lowest level this year

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service are asking blood donors to answer its call to attend donation clinics this week as blood stocks are at a critical level after the long bank holiday weekend. 

“As of this morning, we have just over 2 days supply of O positive and just over 3 days for other key blood groups.   We have contacted the hospitals to advise that the stock levels are very low and we will be actively managing stock to ensure blood is available for those who need it most,” said Barry Doyle, IBTS Director of Production and Hospital Services.

“Hospital demand for blood has been high, particularly during March. This has coincided with bank holidays around St Patricks day and Easter, with some donors taking advantage of the holidays and good weather, meaning they have been unavailable for clinics during that period.

“The IBTS aims to have 7 days’ supply at all times, however, current supply levels for most groups are significantly below this, with Group O Positive being at its lowest level this year.

“We have added 5 extra clinics across the country for this Sunday April 12^th. We are also seeing lower booking rates than normal for our permanent centres in Dublin and Cork, and it’s vital we see these improve. Ideally, we need to increase our collections by an additional 500 donations per week across all blood groups before the May bank holiday, to be able to meet the consistently high demand.

“A stock management letter has been issued to all hospitals today advising them of the situation. This enables the IBTS to manage the limited blood supply available more effectively across the health service. We are working closely with the hospital teams to prevent the need to cancel elective surgery or restrict treatment of patients.

”We are asking regular donors to make an extra effort to attend their nearest clinic, especially in Dublin and Cork where we have clinic availability every week. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment which are available online or by calling 1800 731 137. Donors can also Walk In, although they may face longer wait times than those with appointments.

“New donors are especially welcome, and we would encourage anybody interested in giving blood to visit https://www.giveblood.ie/become-a-donor/ to check their eligibility before coming to a clinic and call us on 1800 731137 to make an appointment.”