Macra President Calls on Members to Help Replenish Falling Blood Supply
08 January 2010
Macra na Feirme, National President, Michael Gowing has applauded the generosity of the Irish people who have lent a hand over the past months adverse weather conditions, this was evident during the floods and he is urging people to continue to pull together and help each other, as the difficult weather continues. “Although we want people to stay safe and avoid unnecessary journeys, I would urge people to not forget about the elderly in your community or those living alone, or without transport, they may be out of water or fuel, or basic supplies and you may be able to help.”
With the sub zero conditions forecast to last at least another week, Mr. Gowing has also stressed the plight of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service who has warned that it may not be able to continue to meet hospital demand for blood because the weather has hit attendance at blood donation clinics. Operations Director, for the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, Paddy Bowler said that the sustained shortfall in collection has reduced supply to five days of O positive and just three days of O negative. Therefore a number of special clinics have been set up this weekend in a bid to replenish supplies. Mr Gowing urges as many people as possible to attend these clinics if they can; the clinics are;
• Dublic, D'olier St. from 12 -4pm
• Parish Centre Ardee, Co. Louth. 11.30 - 3.30pm
• Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Tuam Co. Galway. 12 - 4pm
• Rivercourt Hotel, Kilkenny, 12 - 4pm
• Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork City 12 - 3pm
• West County Hotel, Ennis, Co. Clare. 12 - 3pm
For further information on the Irish Blood Transfusion Service visit www.giveblood.ie or the helpline number is 1850 731 137
