Tag Archives: IBTS

AN Ennis hotel is to open its doors next week to support efforts to fight Covid-19, by facilitating a three-week blood donation clinic. Because of the lock-down, the Irish Blood Transfusion Services Board (IBTS), has had to introduce an appointments-only system for Clare donors. It will also apply strict social distancing protocols at the clinics which will operate at Treacy’s West County Hotel, from Tuesday next (April 14) until Thursday, April 30. “At the moment, blood stocks are fine as demand is down due to the cancellation of elective hospital procedures,” explained Aileen Browne, Area Manager for IBTS. “However, we do need to ensure we are prepared for any increase. Donations are essential, so people will be permitted to travel to give blood. We will be texting our regular donors and asking them to ring us if they would like to make an appointment to donate.” That system will enable IBTS to managed the numbers attending clinics and reduce the …

THEY provide the sweat and gears – but it is up to you to provide the blood. Over five days from May 12 to May 16, a group of around 20 garda including Sergeant John Ryan and Chief Superintendent John Kerin, Ennis Garda Station will undertake a gruelling 1,000-kilometre cycle that will bring them to each one of the 26 counties. The Garda Blood4Life 2014 Cycle is a novel charity event. It’s not a fundraiser, instead, it aims to recruit blood donors and to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation in communities in every county. People are asked to pledge a unit of blood on the IBTS website www.giveblood.ie or call 021-4807400. Better still, attend a local clinic and turn your pledge into a donation. Last year, many of those who pledged a unit of blood, have since returned to give second and third donations.

MINISTER of State at the Department of Health Kathleen Lynch has launched the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS ) service to haemochromatosis patients in Munster. BTS has been providing a service for haemochromatosis patients since 2007 when a dedicated service was opened at the Stillorgan clinic in Dublin. This clinic has reached capacity and is treating about 650 patients in total. In 2013 there were 1205 phlebotomies which yielded 967 productive donations. Last August a general access service for patients was established at the IBTS D’Olier Street fixed centre clinic, for the first time providing a service to patients who are not eligible to be blood donors, as well as for those who could donate. “Since opening 148 patients have attended, 131 have been treated. 80% of these patients have decided to become donors and are now on the regular donor programme,” said Andy Kelly, chief executive of the IBTS. As part of the roll out of the national programme, …