The Irish Blood Transfusion service needs a minimum of 400 donations per week to address a current summer shortfall.
Supply level has dropped amongst several blood groups to a low of just three days. The IBTS normally aims to have seven days worth of stock available at all times.
The summer season has impacted supply level as donors begin to travel abroad in larger numbers. The IBTS will text regular donors over the next few weeks to encourage them to attend their nearest clinic for an appointment.
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Paul McKinney of the IBTS said: "Regular blood donors are vital to addressing the current increased demand from hospitals. For the longer term, we also urge donors to consider giving blood if they are eligible before they go on holidays this summer.’’
The group is hoping to receive an additional 2,000 donations nationwide over the next five weeks to increase supply. The IBTS issued a pre-amber alert warning to hospitals on May 25 requesting staff to reduce their stock holding.
The alert enables the IBTS to more effectively manage the limited blood supply available in Ireland. A spokesperson confirmed that if the situation worsens, hospitals may have to restrict elective surgical procedures.
The IBTS needs to collect over 3,000 units of blood every week to maintain the national blood supply. It is expected that demand from hospitals will continue to increase over the summer.
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