15,000 new blood donors needed for 2024

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is seeking 15,000 new donors in 2024 to ensure the stability of the national blood supply.  

“The demand for blood is constant and on any given day 200 patients receive transfusions in Irish hospitals,” said director of donor services and logistics, Paul McKinney.

“We supply blood products 365 days a year and we issued blood and platelets for transfusion to hospitals over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.  We now need to urgently replenish these stocks, so we are urging existing and new donors please to give a priceless gift this New Year, the gift of blood.”

”The IBTS needs an additional 15,000 new donors this year and every year to ensure the National blood supply remains secure and stable.”

He said that new donors and donors with D-negative blood types that is A, B, and O negative (the Universal blood group) are especially sought after.

“I would ask people who have not donated before to please consider starting this year and make it your New Year’s resolution to become a blood donor. By doing so you will save or improve someone else’s life. We are also asking people of African Heritage to become blood donors, which will help us to diversify our donor pool and better match blood for specific patients,” he added.

All Clinic locations, dates and times are on www.giveblood.ie.

Existing donors are encouraged to book online on the appointment system and new donors are asked to register their interest.