It’s time to broaden the donor base for blood supplies – Nelson Murray

An awareness campaign is needed, as well as improved incentives to encourage eligible blood donors to understand the life-saving impact of their donation, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Linda Nelson Murray said: “Now is the time to act, as the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) warned it may have to issue an ‘amber alert’ for the first time, which may force the postponement of elective surgeries in our hospitals.

The IBTS is seeking 12,000 additional blood donations over the next four weeks as stocks of many blood groups have dropped below three days.

“The average age of a donor in Ireland is 46, however people are eligible once they turn 18. We need to target schools and universities to introduce students to blood donations through talks and campus donations days,” said Senator Nelson Murray.

She also emphasised the importance of reaching underrepresented communities and has called for educational material to be made available in multiple languages and says there needs to be partnerships to help spread awareness.

“We need to educate people on why blood donation matters and how it strengthens communities,” she said.

“Blood is used in over 70 hospitals across Ireland. Every week hundreds of patients in Ireland rely on blood transfusions for surgeries, cancer treatment, emergency care and women with complications at birth. The IBTS needs around 3000 donations every week just to meet the demand in hospitals across the country.”

The IBTS has said 129,000 units of blood were issued last year – which was the busiest year in a decade –  while 2025 is on track to surpass that total.

Senator Nelson Murray urged employers to support the national effort by allowing staff take paid time off to donate blood, even just two hours a year.

“The average donation takes around two hours, and if every eligible adult has the time once a year it would go a long way to ensure that our hospitals have stocks and life-saving treatments can be carried out.

“This is a small but powerful way for employers to contribute to public health,” said Senator Nelson Murray.

“One donation can save up to three lives. I’m asking for new and regular donors to make an appointment with the IBTS as soon as possible. You can visit www.giveblood.ie to see if you’re eligible, find you nearest clinic and book your appointment today. Someone out there needs your help and only you can give it,” concluded Senator Nelson Murray.