THE IRISH BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE has thanked the public for its increased donations of late, in spite of the bad weather – but has urged the public to continue attending donation clinics as the cold weather continues.

The service had been experiencing a shortfall in its usual blood supplies, with several stops from its mobile clinic having to be put on hold after the cold snap began last week and hindered travel arrangements for many.

As a result, it had been feared that with blood stocks dwindling, hospital operations may have had to be cancelled for fear there would be insufficient blood supply to cater to patients. Elective surgeries taking place as early as this Wednesday could have been cut.

After issuing urgent appeals for new donors over the weekend, however, the IBTS has seen its supplies of blood return to near the full levels, although it has continued its appeal for new donors to come forward – particularly in the Dublin and Cork region.

Special clinics arranged for Sunday alone collected 687 donations, an IBTS spokeswoman said, which had restored blood stocks to between 5 and 6 days’ worth of the required need across all blood groups.

Ordinarily, she said, the service aimed to have between 7 and 8 days’ worth of supply – meaning that the public response had been great.

Details of blood donation clinics can be found at the IBTS website, www.giveblood.ie, or by calling 1850 731 137.