The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) has revealed that a shortfall in certain blood types, including O negative and B negative, has led to stocks dropping to a mere two-day supply. As a result, they need about 2,000 blood donations in the coming weeks. The IBTS strives to maintain a week’s supply of all types of blood, but currently, the stock for O positive, accounting for nearly half of the population’s blood type, marginally surpasses a three-day supply.
Owing to the increasing demand for blood since the June bank holiday weekend, the IBTS highlighted the need to amplify the collections of these specific blood types by almost 500 donations every week. Paul McKinney, Director of Donor Services and Logistics at the IBTS, mentioned that donors’ availability has been notably affected due to summer travelling and community sickness levels.
Last week, hospitals were alerted with a pre-amber warning, leading to restricted dispensation of O negative blood. To manage the scarce blood supply more efficiently throughout the healthcare system, hospitals have been instructed to minimise their stock holdings. McKinney cautioned that if the blood shortage reaches the next escalation level, requiring the issuance of an ‘amber alert letter’, it would immediately impact hospitals and elective surgical procedures needing blood support.
He urged regular donors, particularly from Dublin and Cork, who receive text alerts in the following weeks, to make an added effort to visit their closest clinic. Considering the rising demand from hospitals, regular donations are crucial. For long-term effect, McKinney also encouraged eligible donors to think about donating blood before their summer holidays.