Ireland’s national blood supply has reached “critically low” levels according to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service.
Hospitals across the country are coming under pressure to secure a larger supply for patients and an urgent appeal has been published.
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service said it aims to have seven days of stock at all times, however, at the moment some blood groups are dropping to as low as three days’ supply.
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The IBTS needs to secure at least 3,000 units of blood each week in order to keep the national blood supply at a healthy level.
In a statement published today, a spokesperson for the vital service warned that: "Hospitals have been experiencing extreme pressures recently and there has been a sustained high demand for blood”.
Paul McKinney, the IBTS Director of Donor Services and Logistics went on to say: "The recent high level of respiratory illness in the community has also impacted the collection of blood and as a result, we are running critically low across all blood groups.
"In order to avoid putting further pressure on our hospital system, we need as many donors as possible to attend donation clinics over the coming days.
”If you receive a text message from us, please respond to the number provided and make an appointment, RhD-negative donors can attend any clinic and they will be accommodated.
“Support from our donors has as usual been superb over the last few challenging months and we are very grateful for that”.
He went on to say they are constantly in need of new donors and that “ anybody interested in becoming a new donor should register their interest on our website (www.giveblood.ie) where you will also find all clinic locations/opening hours and all frequently asked questions.
"In advance of the new Public Holiday we are also running additional clinics on Sunday, January 29,” he added.
According to IBTS, only 3% of the eligible Irish population give blood, providing blood for a population of over 4 million.
If you’re interested in signing up to be a blood donor, you can find out more information by clicking here.
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