16/06/2009

Summer Blood Donors Sought

A special 'Summer Essentials' initiative has just been launched targeting NI people and encouraging them to give blood.

The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service has highlighted the need for blood donations, especially at this time of year which is traditionally a difficult period for the Service. It is a fact that people go on holiday and spend extra time with their families, which often reduces the number of people available to donate blood - but unfortunately the need for blood throughout the country will not be taking a holiday.

Charles Kinney, Donor Services General Manager said: "Think how good you will feel if you give blood before you go on holiday and save the life of one of the five hundred patients who need blood or blood products each week in Northern Ireland. Could anything else be more essential this summer?"

Paul McElkerney, a spokesperson for the Service, commented: "There are many people out there who have never tried to give blood.

To those who have sometimes thought about becoming a blood donor, now is a good time to roll up your sleeves and donate before you vacate. You will discover how easy it is to give blood and hopefully return again."

As part of the initiative, the Blood Transfusion Service will be hosting special blood donation sessions right across Northern Ireland all this week.

See: NI Blood Transfusion Service

(BMcC)

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