Urgent IBTS appeal for blood donations in the wake of Storm Éowyn

IBTS issues an urgent appeal, in the wake of Storm Eowyn, for blood donations, with supplies very low.

The IBTS is asking for immediate public and donor support to help recover the national blood supply, with current supplies under 3 days for many blood groups.

The recent severe weather events, including Storm Éowyn, and high levels of respiratory illness within communities has significantly impacted our blood collections and we are running critically low in blood stocks  and need the public’s help.

“In order to avoid putting further pressure on our hospital system, we need over 12,000 donations in the coming days and weeks, to restore the blood supply, and safely support our health service, ’ said Paul McKinney, Director of Donor Services and Logistics.

“In 2024 the IBTS issued the highest number of blood donation units to Irish hospitals in over a decade, at just under 128,500 units. This exceptionally high demand has continued unabated into 2025”.

We also urgently need new donors, younger donors, donors of all ethnicities and in particular, those of African heritage.

“We are asking people who might never have given blood before, or it’s been a while, to make it their goal to give blood, and the priceless gift of life, to those in our communities and hospitals who need it,” added McKinney.

Donors who receive a text message from us can book an appointment online at www.giveblood.ie or contact the number provided.

For anybody interested in becoming a donor, you can register your  interest on our website (www.giveblood.ie) where you will also find all clinic locations / opening hours and eligibility details, or call us at 1800 731 137.

For further information on donating blood please visit www.giveblood.ie.   Find a Clinic   New Donors - Register Interest

ENDS

Note to editor

There are nearly 150 clinics nationwide over the next 4 weeks. All with plenty of capacity.

Only 3% of the population are blood donors and approximately 8% of these donors are O negative. However, as this blood can be transfused to patients of all groups, issues of this blood group to hospitals frequently hits 15% thus requiring more frequent calls on donors of this group.

The IBTS needs to collect 3,200 units of blood every week to maintain the national blood supply.         

It is estimated that 1 in 4 people will require a blood transfusion at some stage in their lives with 67% of all blood used to help support cancer patients.