In an effort to make up for a current summer shortage, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service needs at least 400 donations every week.
Multiple blood types are now at an all-time low of barely three days’ supply. The IBTS typically strives to keep seven days’ worth of supply on hand at all times.
The summertime has an effect on supplies since more donors begin their vacation overseas. Over the next weeks, the IBTS will reach out to regular donors to remind them to make an appointment at their nearby clinic.
Paul McKinney of the IBTS said: “Regular blood donors are vital to addressing the current increased demand from hospitals. For the longer term, we also urge donors to consider giving blood if they are eligible before they go on holidays this summer.’’
In order to improve supplies, the organisation is seeking to collect an extra 2,000 donations across the country over the next five weeks. On May 25, the IBTS sent hospitals a pre-amber alert notice, asking staff to store less stocks.
The alert makes it possible for the IBTS to better oversee the scarce blood supply in Ireland. A spokesperson acknowledged that hospitals would need to limit elective surgical operations if the situation becomes worse.
In order to keep the country’s blood supply steady, the IBTS has to collect more than 3,000 units of blood each week. Over the summer, it is anticipated that hospital demand will continue to rise.