Ireland's Blood Supply Crisis: Urgent Donations Needed

0:00On April 7, Ireland's blood transfusion service is sounding the alarm with blood supplies at critically low levels after the long weekend. They've got just two days worth of O-positive blood, the lowest this year, and a bit over three days for other main types. Normally, they aim for a full seven-day stock to keep things steady. Hyde demand hit hard this March, right around St. Patrick's Day, and Easter Bank holidays. Good weather kept some donors away from clinics, and bookings are down at key spots in Dublin and Cork. There are learning hospitals about the shortages and prioritizing stock for the most urgent cases. Director Barry Doyle says they're teaming up with medical teams to avoid cancelling elective surgeries or limiting patient care. To five back, five extra donation clinics are set for this Sunday, April 12, nationwide. They need 500 more donations each week across all blood types before the May Bank holiday to catch up. Regular donors hit up your local clinic soon, especially in Dublin and Cork, where slots are open weekly.

1:01Book online at gibblet.e or call 1-800-731-137 walkins. Welcome to, though weights might be longer. New folks, check eligibility there first. Let's keep the supply flowing strong. From across Europe, powered by AI, this is Europe News Today.