Urgent Appeal For Negative Blood Donors As Bunclody Clinic Takes Place Today

People with negative blood types are being urged to donate as the Irish Blood Transfusion Service warns that stocks are running dangerously low.

There is particular concern around O negative blood, with supplies expected to fall below three days by tomorrow, Tuesday October 6th.

The IBTS says A negative and B negative stocks are also under pressure and has issued an urgent appeal for RhD negative donors to come forward.

The appeal comes as a blood donation clinic is being held in Bunclody today, Monday October 5th.

The clinic will take place at Our Lady of Lourdes National School, Hospital Hill, Bunclody, from 4.30pm until 8.40pm.

The clinic is appointment-based with donors asked to contact 1800 222 111 to arrange a time.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service says O negative is particularly important because it is the universal blood type and can be used in emergency situations, including for very small babies, stem cell transplants and some blood disorders.

Only around 8% of the population has O negative blood, yet it accounts for around 16% of blood issued by the service.

The IBTS says the current shortage follows reduced attendance at donation clinics during September and increased demand for blood for surgery.

It is seeking hundreds of additional donors each week to strengthen stocks ahead of the winter period.

Anyone eligible to donate, particularly those with O negative, A negative or B negative blood, is being encouraged to attend a clinic if it has been at least 90 days since their last donation.

Potential donors can check their eligibility and find clinic