Mary Upton
Question:315 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to improve the level of blood donations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19335/02]
Written Answers. - Blood Donations.
Since late January 2002 there has been a consistently high level of blood stocks available for hospitals and patient care. A public appeal was initiated by the IBTS at the beginning of January to counteract an acute seasonal shortage in the national blood supply, which led to the deferment of certain scheduled operations. The aim of the appeal was to ensure that there would be an immediate improvement in blood stocks to allow elective surgery to recommence and continue without interruption. The IBTS has informed me that the public responded very well to this appeal and has maintained a high level of attendance at clinics in the intervening months. Since January, all hospital orders for all blood types have been filled as and when required. As a result, this was the first year in many that the IBTS did not have to make a special summer appeal to ensure that blood was available for hospitals during the period when traditionally donations fall due to the holiday period.
The IBTS has informed me that it constantly monitors attendances at clinics throughout the country and takes corrective action on a weekly and monthly basis to ensure that the blood supply remains robust and that patients and hospital activities are not impacted upon through lack of blood. A new collection centre was opened in Tuam in March 2002 and the service is searching for a premises on the south side of Dublin. It is also exploring the feasibility of purchasing a blood-mobile, which would be a mobile clinic moving between industrial estates, hospital campuses and shopping centres to bring the facility of donating to the public rather than asking the public to come to IBTS clinics in certain locations on certain days. A new advertising campaign has been launched and the response from the public to this campaign has been very encouraging. The focus of the campaign has been to emphasise the need to give blood, rather than to give excuses. In addition, the IBTS held a second blood for life week from 23 to 29 September 2002 where the aim was to raise awareness for the need for blood donations. The theme of the week was centred around young people who have received blood and are now living healthy lives. This initiative was launched by my colleague Deputy Brian Lenihan and supported by my Department and other government colleagues. I have been advised by the IBTS that during the week 5,166 people attended clinics throughout the country, which is approximately 2,000 more than in a normal week.
Current blood stock levels are shown on the IBTS website and updated each week. Last week – commencing 14 October 2002 – the IBTS had 5,554 units of blood in stock. This is the highest stock level the IBTS has had for many years. However, because of the short shelf life of blood and blood products it is important that donors are encouraged to give blood regularly. This is particularly important coming into the winter period when the trend internationally is for a seasonal downturn in donations.