Give a life saving gift over Christmas and New Year at blood donor clinic in Laois

Blood donors can give the gift of life over the Christmas and New Year celebrations when a special blood donor clinic visits Durrow.

The mobile unit of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service will visit the Castle Arms Hotel, Durrow on Wednesday, December 27 2017 from 4.30pm until 8pm.

With over two hundred units of blood needed each day over the festive season, donating is the perfect gift.

The IBTS is concerned at the supply of blood available over the Christmas/New Year period and urged donors to make a special effort.

“Traditionally holiday periods and especially the lead into the Christmas/New Year festivities present significant challenges  in sustaining the blood supply. On any given day 200 patients receive transfusions in Irish hospitals”, said Operations Director, Paul McKinney.

“Christmas day and New Years Day both fall on a Monday, which is an important collection day, especially  collecting blood for babies and could have a serious impact on the blood supply.

“The demand for blood is constant. We supply product 365 days a year and will issue blood for transfusion to hospitals on Christmas Day, St Stephen's Day and New Year's Day, so we are urging donors to give a priceless gift this Christmas, the gift of blood,” he said.

Clinic details can be obtained on www.giveblood.ie.