IBTS appeal for blood donors at Dundalk clinics

THE Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) are appealing for donors at their upcoming Dundalk clinics.

Every day, patients in hospitals throughout Ireland require blood transfusions. Sometimes it may be for a routine surgical procedure such as a hip operation. Other times it may be for someone recovering from a road traffic accident, major surgery such as a heart bypass or perhaps a transfusion is needed to enable a patient to tolerate the effects of cancer treatment. The IBTS provides the blood and blood products needed in hospitals to help these patients.

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda required 2,711 units in 2017.

Anyone wishing to donate blood must be 18 or over and under 65 to give blood for the first time. If you are aged between 65 and 70 years (up to, but not including your 70th birthday) and you have donated in the last 10 years, you can give blood. In selected cases, you can give blood if you are 70 years or over.

The IBTS mobile clinic will be at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Tuesday 17th April, and Wednesday 18th April, from 4:30pm to 8pm, and at the Clan Na Gael G.A.A. Centre, Thursday 19th April, from 4:30pm to 8pm and Sunday 22nd April from 11:30am to 3pm.

For further details, contact the lo-call donor information line 1850 – 73 11 37 or check out the website www.giveblood.ie