Vol. 520 No. 2
112 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he is satisfied himself with the level of public awareness to donation of blood for lifesaving operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15611/00]
I am satisfied that there is a significant level of public awareness of the importance of blood donations in the treatment of patients in our hospitals. Patients who undergo major surgery regularly depend on blood transfusions and patients who have been diagnosed with certain forms of cancers also rely on blood transfusions as an essential element of their ongoing treatment.
In this country approximately 100,000 donors give blood annually. I have met blood donors since my appointment as Minister for Health and Children and I am fully aware of their pride in supporting people in need and in their practical commitment to donating blood on a regular basis despite the time and inconvenience involved. I acknowledge their major contribution to improving the health of so many patients and to sustaining important elements of our hospital services.
Transfusion services internationally continue to experience difficulties in meeting the demand for blood. As the Deputy is aware, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service Board has experienced difficulties in recent weeks in ensuring that there are adequate blood supplies available to meet all hospital requirements. In Ireland, for example, we have one of the highest deferral rates internationally as approximately 16% of those who attend donor clinics are deferred and not accepted as donors at least temporarily. In recent weeks the IBTS has implemented a major campaign through the media at national and local levels to advise of blood supply difficulties and to encourage more donors to come forward and attend local blood collection clinics. Donors have responded generously to this campaign and I am pleased to advise that the IBTS has sufficient stocks available to meet hospital needs over the coming weeks.
Constant effort is needed to maintain donations at an adequate level to meet service needs and to manage seasonal variations in blood supply. I would encourage donors to continue to give blood on a regular basis particularly over the summer months when the level of donations tends to decrease due to holiday commitments. Approximately, 15,000 new donors are required on an annual basis and I would also encourage new donors to come forward and replace donors who retire or are unable to continue to donate.
