Blood donors are being urgently sought as supplies across all blood groups have fallen to critically low levels.
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is seeking immediate donor support to help boost the national blood supply. Existing supplies are sufficient for less than three days across most blood groups.
“High hospital demand and increasing levels of respiratory illness within the community have impacted our collections and we need the public’s help,” said Paul McKinney, director of donor services and logistics with the IBTS.
Mr McKinney said in order to respond to patient need and meet hospitals’ demand, there is an urgent requirement for more than 12,000 donations over the coming days and weeks.
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“In advance of the upcoming public holiday on 27th October, we will be holding additional clinics on Sunday 19th of October, and after the public holiday weekend,” Mr McKinney said.
In 2024 the service issued 128,500 units of blood to hospitals, the highest level in more than a decade. The demand has continued to grow this year.
The IBTS urgently needs new donors of all ages and ethnicities, particularly those of African heritage.
“We are asking people who might never have given blood before, or it’s been a while, to make it their goal to give blood, and the priceless gift of life, to those in our communities and hospitals who need it,” Mr McKinney said.
Donors who receive a text message from the IBTS can book an appointment online at www.giveblood.ie or contact the number provided.
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Those interested in becoming donors may register their interest on giveblood.ie. The website also lists clinic locations, opening hours and eligibility details.
Potential donors may also call the blood transfusion service on 1800 731 137.
Just 3 per cent of the population are blood donors, and the blood transfusion service needs 3,200 units of blood every week to maintain the national blood supply.
It is estimated that one in four people will require a blood transfusion at some stage in their lives, with 67 per cent of all blood used to help support cancer patients.
