The Blood Transfusion Services Board has been forced to write to a number of hospitals warning them it will not be able to meet demands for non-emergency surgery over the coming days.
According to Dr Willie Murphy of the BTSB: "Levels of blood stocks around the country are critically low and this is causing us serious concern. As an interim measure we have arranged to import blood from the Netherlands. However we are calling on all current and potential donors to come forward and donate over the next couple of days."
As part of its strategic response to the fall-off in blood donations, the BTSB will start a national advertising campaign next week.