Irish Blood Transfusion Service: ‘blood donors wanted now to save lives’

Some day this could be you or a family member.

Every day, patients in hospitals throughout Ireland require blood transfusions.

Every week 3,000 donations are needed in Ireland.

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

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.

Catherine Hughes, acting area organiser, 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.

Please eat at least a light snack in the three hours before donating.

Please remember that the Midlands Regional Hospital in Mullingar required 1,430 units in 2018.

If you’d like to help, there is an opportunity to give blood at the IBTS mobile clinic in the Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar from 4.30pm to 8pm on: Monday August 26, Tuesday August 27, Wednesday August 28, and Thursday August 29.

Help ensure essential blood supplies are always available by giving blood regularly

For further details, call the lo-call Donor Information Line 1850 73 11 37, or Finbar Gethins, area manager at 041 685 9994 or www.giveblood.ie.