AN EXTRA 400 people a week need to donate blood during the month of June to ensure that a shortage of blood supply is avoided.
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service said by the middle of this week blood supply levels will be down to 4 days in most blood groups.
They said that they need 13,500 donations in June if they are to maintain the blood supply and avoid shortages – an extra 400 people a week compared to last month coming into their clinics.
World Cup year
“This is a World Cup year and traditionally big international sports events have an impact on attendance at donation clinics,” said Paddy Bowler, Director of Operations.
He said that people going on holidays also impacts on the supply.
“June is also the beginning of the summer holiday period which usually presents difficulties in sustaining the blood supply as donations decline. Haemoglobin deferrals increase from 8 per cent to 12 per cent over the summer months, due to warmer weather.”
He said it is important that people are constantly coming in to their clinics to maintain a consistent supply, with the IBTS aiming to hold about 7 days supply of blood at any given time.
“Patients do not go on holidays we are asking those donors who can, to give the gift of life to those patients. Do not leave it to someone else this summer and please make a special effort to give blood over the coming weeks,” said Bowler.
Blood lasts just 35 days, while platelets five days, however, just 3 per cent of the population are eligible to give blood, so it is important that those that can, do, said the IBTS.
If you would like to find out about giving blood visit the Irish Blood Transfusion Service website here.
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