Blood donation clinic today

With hospital attendance now peaking again after the Christmas period of relatively lower activity, the need for blood donations also rises, writes Brian Byrne.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service will be in Scoil Bhride today, Monday 14 January from 5pm to 8.30pm.

One in four people will require a blood transfusion at some time in their lives, but only 3pc of the eligible population are active blood donors.

The IBTS needs 3,000 blood donations a week to keep hospitals supplied.

Blood can only be kept for 35 days, and blood used for a neonatal transfusion can be no more than five days old, so constant refreshing of the supply is needed.

If you want to join the donation population, the eligibility quiz can be accessed at giveblood.ie.

Pics: IBTS.

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