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Cork City Council calls on blood donors across Cork City to give blood

CityHall
6 November 2020

Cork City Council staff and blood donors around Cork City are being asked to give lifesaving blood next week in Cork City Hall, Monday and Tuesday 9 & 10 November

Despite this second lockdown for Covid-19, the IBTS are not expecting a reduction in blood usage and will need to collect their usual supply of 3,000 blood donations each week. To do this, they will need to rely on regular donors to attend the clinics. Blood donation clinics are exempt from all levels of Government restrictions during Covid-19 and donors are allowed to travel safety to their nearest clinic.

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Joe Kavanagh said: “We need to remember that clinics are open throughout the country to help people donate blood in a safe environment. I would like to encourage anyone who is in the position to donate blood to do so – it might save a life”

Blood donation clinics have been adapted to ensure the donors’ safety. IBTS Donor Services Manager, Maureen Gill-Emerson states, “Our donors’ safety is a priority and we are so grateful for their support in helping us maintain the country’s blood supply. Clinics are appointment based, which allow for social distancing and we’ve added further precautions to ensure the donors’ wellbeing.

There is no substitute for blood. Each blood donation can save up to 3 lives and every donor that comes into a clinic is allowing hospital patients more time with their loved ones.”

The clinic at Cork City Hall will run Monday - Tuesday, 9th & 10th November from 4pm-8pm.

Appointments can be made by ringing 021 480 7491. Clinic details and more information on donating blood can be found at www.giveblood.ie. 

Blood stats:

  • 1 in 4 of us will require a blood transfusion at some point in our lives.
  • Every year in Ireland about 70,000 patients receive blood and to meet this demand, Irish Blood Transfusion Service must collect 3,000 donations every week across the country.
  • Only 3% of the eligible population are actually regular blood donors and the IBTS rely solely on the generosity and dedication of these donors to help maintain the country’s blood supply.
  • The shelf-life of blood is 35 days, with some blood products lasting only 5 days

For press queries please contact: communications@corkcity.ie