Blood donors wanted – but not if they’ve visited high-risk areas in 28 days

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is visiting Mullingar this week – but people who have travelled to one of the high risk regions recently are being asked not to attend as donors.

“We are asking people who have travelled to affected areas – China, Hong Kong, Italy or Japan in the last 28 days not to turn up,” Finbar Gethins, area organiser with the IBTS told the Westmeath Examiner this week.

Other countries on the list are Iran, Singapore and South Korea. Mr Gethins also pleaded that anyone suffering a fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing stay away.

Every day, patients in hospitals throughout Ireland require blood transfusions – to the extent that the country’s weekly requirement amounts to 3,000 donations.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) provides the blood and blood products needed in hospitals to help these patients.

Midlands Regional Hospital in Mullingar required 1,475 units in 2019.

There is likely to be an ongoing requirement for blood donations right through the crisis, and staff from the IBTS will be taking all precautions to ensure that the blood clinics are conducted in the safest means possible, he explained.

Blood transfusions may be required for routine surgical procedures and cancer treatment. The average adult has between 10 and 12 pints of blood. A blood donation is just 470mls – less than one pint.

Mr Gethins is urging people who are between 18 and 60 years (or 67 years if you are a regular donor), over 7st 12 lbs (over 50kg), fit and healthy and have not donated in the last 90 days to make a special effort to attend. Donors need to eat at least a light snack in the 3 hours before donating.

The clinic is at The Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar until Thursday, 4.30-8pm daily.

For further details, contact the lo-call Donor Information Line 1850 – 73 11 37 or Finbar Gethins, Area Manager at the Ardee Regional Office, 041 – 685 9994 or check out the www.giveblood.ie.