merrion street

Minister for Health, Simon Harris is urging people to begin the New Year by giving blood at their local blood donation clinics over the coming weeks.

The Minister said "1 in 4 people will require a blood transfusion at some time in their lives. However, only 2 per cent of the population donate blood.

Over the busy festive period and into the new year, the blood supply diminishes as collections are reduced, but demand remains unchanged.

To ensure that the Irish Blood Transfusion Service maintains a supply to meet hospital demands over the winter period, I am urging all blood donors, and those who would like to be blood donors, to visit their nearest clinic and to give blood, particularly in the early days of the new year.

Every week, hundreds of patients in hospitals all around the country are helped in their recovery by the ready availability of blood. I want to acknowledge the generosity of donors and the work of the IBTS in maintaining this vital supply.

I am appealing to those who able to give blood to make it their New Year's resolution and make a vital difference to those in need.”

For further information on donor eligibility and clinic venues nationwide, please visit the website www.giveblood.ie