Blood supplies have fallen to concerning levels.
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service have asked us to send an alert to all colleagues and parents about the need for blood donations in Limerick this week.
Blood Donations in Limerick – Your Help is Needed this week!
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is asking for blood donors to attend this week’s Limerick clinics. National blood supplies, especially for vital blood groups like O negative and B negative, have fallen to concerning levels, with some having less than three days’ stock. The IBTS aims to maintain a seven-day supply at all times to ensure our hospitals can meet patient needs.
This shortfall means we need to collect an additional 2,000 donations nationwide over the coming weeks to prevent any impact on vital medical procedures. Hospital demand for blood has been consistently high, particularly following the recent June and May Bank holidays, and the continued good weather has also unfortunately impacted clinic attendance.
Every single donation makes a profound difference. Blood is a lifeline for thousands of patients every year – from those undergoing complex surgeries, individuals battling cancer and leukaemia requiring chemotherapy, to mothers experiencing complications during childbirth, and victims of serious accidents. One unit of blood can save or significantly improve the lives of up to three people.
The IBTS is asking for the public’s assistance, and we have convenient clinics in Limerick:
To make an appointment at any of these clinics, please call 1800 222 111. New Donors welcome.
Whether you are a regular donor or have never given blood before, your contribution is valuable. New donors are especially welcome, and we strongly encourage anyone interested in becoming a lifesaver to consider attending.
Please note, the IBTS has already issued a stock management alert to hospitals, asking them to reduce their blood holding. If current trends continue, the next step would be an ‘amber alert letter’, which could have immediate implications for elective surgical procedures requiring blood support.
Donating blood is a simple, safe, and profoundly selfless act. The actual donation process typically takes only 10-15 minutes, preceded by a health questionnaire and a quick check.
To make an appointment at a Limerick clinic, please call 1800 222 111.
Please share this message with your family, friends, and colleagues. Your decision to donate blood can provide hope and a second chance at life for someone in our community.
Alex O’Connor | Donor Recruitment Executive
Donor Services I Irish Blood Transfusion Service | Limerick Centre | Carrig House | Cloughkeating Avenue | Raheen Business Park | Limerick | V94 AH97
Seirbhís Fuilaistriúcháin na hÉireann | Ionad Luimnigh | Teach na Carraige | Ascal Chloch Uí Chéitinn | Páirc Ghnó an Ráithín | Luimneach | V94 AH97
T: +353 61 306980 | Mobile 087 4166732 | e: alex.o’connor@ibts.ie | w: www.giveblood.ie
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