As term resumes, Aidan O’Sullivan reminds us of the steps we can take to give more, including a resource all need to live a fulfilling life-blood.
New Year has arrived, and you, among many others, may be thinking about what changes you are going to make for 2024. If you’re short on ideas for New Year's resolutions, the gift of giving to others has never been more opportune, as Irish blood supplies have fallen low.
In their first press release of 2024, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is seeking 15,000 new blood donors in order to ‘ensure the stability of the national blood supply.’ According to IBTS Director of Donor Services and Logistics Paul Mckinney, after the Christmas and New Year holiday period, Irish hospital's blood stocks once again urgently need to be replenished. This comes after previous appeals in the late autumn of last year when blood supplies fell to only three days' worth. To put that into context, the IBTS aims to have seven days' worth of each blood type at all times.
Blood transfusions are needed for a variety of reasons, including conditions that affect the quality or number of red blood cells in the body, such as sickle cell disease, thalassaemia or anaemia. Certain cancers and their treatments may also affect blood cells, such as the use of chemotherapy or stem cell transplants. Additionally, for severe bleeding, whether it be during surgery or childbirth or due to some other accident, a blood transfusion can replace vital liquid and cells found in the blood, like red blood cells mentioned above but also plasma and platelets.
Blood transfusions are in constant demand in hospitals, and therefore, more than just one-off new donors, the IBTS and the medical sector at large are in need of regular donations. Blood lasts about thirty-five days and less than five days for transfusions for newborns. Due to the time-sensitive nature of the quality of blood, the IBTS needs about three-thousand donations a week in order to keep hospitals supplied. The blood types in demand are donors who can give negative A, O, and B types. However, the IBTS is also looking for more donors of African heritage in order to diversify their blood pool and better match blood to patients.
Blood transfusions are in constant demand in hospitals, and therefore, more than just one-off new donors, the IBTS and the medical sector at large are in need of regular donations.
When you volunteer to give blood and attend a clinic, you will be asked to register with the IBTS. Photo ID is required, as well as providing basic information such as address, phone number, DOB, etc. There will then be a donor interview with a healthcare professional to ensure your eligibility to the highest standard.
However, while the IBTS does test donations for various illnesses such as HIV and Hepatitis, donors should keep in mind that certain medications and common illnesses, as well as recent piercings and tattoos, can affect eligibility. The IBTS recommends you take the New & Returning Donors eligibility quiz and look at the ‘Can I Give Blood’ section on their website, www.giveblood.ie, before attending your appointment. However, if you are still unsure, you can contact the IBTS by phoning 1800 731 137 to talk to a professional.
Before attending your appointment, it is recommended that you eat something substantial three hours prior to your donation. Further, you should spend the twenty-four hours prior drinking plenty of cold, non-alcoholic liquids and eating savoury and salty snacks. This is to minimise the chance of fainting. There is a canteen available afterwards for those who have completed their donation. While people often have fears about fainting and needles, the blood donation clinics are run by trained healthcare professionals who are there to ensure your well-being while you donate. The donation itself should take only about eight minutes, but the entire process, including registering and resting afterwards with refreshments, usually takes about sixty to ninety minutes.
While people often have fears about fainting and needles, the blood donation clinics are run by trained healthcare professionals who are there to ensure your well-being while you donate.
While there are occasional Blood drives in UCD, usually in Astra Hall, the IBTS has two fixed clinics, one on D’Olier Street in the city centre and another in Stillorgan, close to UCD. Donors can book an appointment at the clinic closest to them online at www.giveblood.ie or by phoning 1800 731 137.
While there are occasional Blood drives in UCD, usually in Astra Hall, the IBTS has two fixed clinics, one on D’Olier Street in the city centre and another in Stillorgan, close to UCD.
While perhaps blood donations can be daunting for some, blood is a vital resource in this country, and donations do save lives. Even if you are not eligible as a donor, it is important to continue to raise awareness, as maintaining the Irish Blood supply is a continual struggle, one that ensures the safety and well-being of numerous people in this country’s healthcare system.