Blood donations hit by flooding and bad weather

Flooding and other adverse weather conditions this winter have had a negative impact on the supply of blood donations, leading to a new appeal for donors.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) said that since Christmas attendance at clinics has dropped and supplies of the main blood groups are only likely to last for another three to four days.

“In the three-week period since December 21st last, donor attendance at clinics has been significantly affected by the bad weather.

“In flooded areas of the country, safety advice has been to only make journeys that are absolutely necessary,” said IBTS operations director Paddy Bowler.

“This has resulted in blood supply levels of the main blood groups at three days. This will only sustain hospitals for the next three to four days.

“Blood is in constant demand and the IBTS aims to hold seven days’ supply across the blood groups.”

Appeal

The IBTS is appealing to donors to attend clinics in the next two weeks and to bring new donors along.

The service has also scheduled additional clinics next Sunday, January 17th, in Newport, Co Tipperary; Moate, Co Westmeath; Cavan town, Co Cavan; Naas, Co Kildare and The Barr's GAA club in Togher, Co Cork, with further details available from its website.