Words: Eva O’Beirne
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service has issued a pre-amber alert to hospitals as it appeals for more donors.
In Ireland currently, there are just two days’ stock of O-negative, less than two days for B-negative and three days of stock for A-negative.
In order to avoid surgeries being postponed, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is appealing for both regular and new donors to help with the crisis.
Approximately one in four people will require a blood transfusion in their lifetime.
In December it was announced that the IBTS would remove the blood donation deferral for gay and bisexual men by the end of 2022. From March 2022, men who have sex with men (MSM) are permitted to give blood four months after their last sexual contact with a man.
To check your eligibility to give blood or find your nearest blood donor clinic, click here.
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