Irish Blood Transfusion Service under pressure to fill clinics

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service say they are struggling to maintain blood stocks and are under pressure to fill clinics .

The service usually holds a seven day stock of blood, however after the Bank Holiday weekend the reserve fell to just four days.

A previous shortage at the end of last year forced the IBTS to import 390 units of blood from the UK after blood stocks fell to just two days.

Regular donors who are contacted by text are being asked to book an appointment as soon as possible and listeners are being reminded that a Clinic is being held at City Hall today from 12pm to 4pm

Speaking to RedFM News, director of hospital services with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service Barry Doyle has this advice for anyone who is considering becoming a donor:

“I would say just do it, you will never regret it. And from our donors, we get really, really good positive feedback from having donated blood. And it’s just a really good thing to do. And if it’s something you’ve been thinking about, I think now’s the time to take that next step.”