Menu
07/09/2009
'Give Blood', Says Minister
There's been a life-saving plea for NI people to donate blood.
Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has himself given blood and encouraged others to do the same.
The Minister said this showed just how easy it is to save a life through his support for the current campaign to increase the number of people in Northern Ireland that give blood.
"Blood donation is vital for the delivery of health care, saving and enhancing lives.
"We all know someone who has benefited from donated blood through emergency surgery, for routine operations, in the treatment of cancer, or childbirth.
"Around 500 patients in Northern Ireland need life saving blood each week.
"To ensure an adequate supply to our hospitals, we need 300 people to give blood every day," he said.
"There is of course a heightened importance for people to donate blood ahead of an anticipated surge in swine flu cases in the autumn and winter.
"This would rule out those normally healthy regular donors who would not be eligible to donate until fully recovered from the illness," he continued.
"With an increasing demand for blood and only 6% of Northern Ireland's population currently donating, that leaves 94% of the eligible population that do not donate," he said.
"I would urge all eligible people across the province to consider becoming a blood donor."
Welcoming the support, Charles Kinney from the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service said: "I would like to thank the Minister for again coming back to donate and for encouraging new donors to come forward and regular donors to keep coming back, to meet the current and future needs of patients.
"I would appeal to everyone to take the Minister's lead and come along and donate blood."
Paul McElkerney, Donor Recruitment Manager added: "Current projections indicate an increased demand of around 1% from hospital compared to last year.
"Whilst this may appear to be quite small, the reality is that it will require over 500 extra donations before the end of this year."
There are almost 1,000 blood donation sessions at 240 locations throughout the province, and most people aged between the age of 17 and 65 can give blood for the first time and continue to donate three times a year throughout their life.
(BMcC/GK)
Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has himself given blood and encouraged others to do the same.
The Minister said this showed just how easy it is to save a life through his support for the current campaign to increase the number of people in Northern Ireland that give blood.
"Blood donation is vital for the delivery of health care, saving and enhancing lives.
"We all know someone who has benefited from donated blood through emergency surgery, for routine operations, in the treatment of cancer, or childbirth.
"Around 500 patients in Northern Ireland need life saving blood each week.
"To ensure an adequate supply to our hospitals, we need 300 people to give blood every day," he said.
"There is of course a heightened importance for people to donate blood ahead of an anticipated surge in swine flu cases in the autumn and winter.
"This would rule out those normally healthy regular donors who would not be eligible to donate until fully recovered from the illness," he continued.
"With an increasing demand for blood and only 6% of Northern Ireland's population currently donating, that leaves 94% of the eligible population that do not donate," he said.
"I would urge all eligible people across the province to consider becoming a blood donor."
Welcoming the support, Charles Kinney from the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service said: "I would like to thank the Minister for again coming back to donate and for encouraging new donors to come forward and regular donors to keep coming back, to meet the current and future needs of patients.
"I would appeal to everyone to take the Minister's lead and come along and donate blood."
Paul McElkerney, Donor Recruitment Manager added: "Current projections indicate an increased demand of around 1% from hospital compared to last year.
"Whilst this may appear to be quite small, the reality is that it will require over 500 extra donations before the end of this year."
There are almost 1,000 blood donation sessions at 240 locations throughout the province, and most people aged between the age of 17 and 65 can give blood for the first time and continue to donate three times a year throughout their life.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 June 2022
Call For Blood Donations Following Decline In Donors
Health Minister Robin Swann has urged people to come forward for blood donations, backing a call from the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service. The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service's (NIBTS) appeal coincides with World Blood Donor Day and follows a decline in the number of new people giving blood.
Call For Blood Donations Following Decline In Donors
Health Minister Robin Swann has urged people to come forward for blood donations, backing a call from the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service. The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service's (NIBTS) appeal coincides with World Blood Donor Day and follows a decline in the number of new people giving blood.
01 September 2016
Lifetime Blood Ban Donation Lifted For Gay Men In NI
A lifetime blood ban on the donation of blood by gay men in Northern Ireland has been lifted today, 01 September. NI Health Minister Michelle O'Neill announced the policy change in June this year.
Lifetime Blood Ban Donation Lifted For Gay Men In NI
A lifetime blood ban on the donation of blood by gay men in Northern Ireland has been lifted today, 01 September. NI Health Minister Michelle O'Neill announced the policy change in June this year.
28 November 2002
Patients warned after blood donor's CJD diagnosis
There are concerns that a small number of haemophiliacs in Northern Ireland and Scotland may have received blood products from a donor who later was diagnosed with variant Creutzfeld-Jacob disease (vCJD). Health agencies in Scotland have written to patients warning them that they may have been given treatments derived from the donor's blood.
Patients warned after blood donor's CJD diagnosis
There are concerns that a small number of haemophiliacs in Northern Ireland and Scotland may have received blood products from a donor who later was diagnosed with variant Creutzfeld-Jacob disease (vCJD). Health agencies in Scotland have written to patients warning them that they may have been given treatments derived from the donor's blood.
15 May 2024
Health Minister Introduces New Electronic Blood System
Health Minister, Robin Swann, has launched a new electronic blood production and tracking system which will help improve blood safety and quality.
Health Minister Introduces New Electronic Blood System
Health Minister, Robin Swann, has launched a new electronic blood production and tracking system which will help improve blood safety and quality.
21 May 2024
Swann To 'Carefully Consider' New Infected Blood Inquiry Report
Health Minister Robin Swann has committed to "careful consideration" of the newly published final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry. The Inquiry was established by the UK government to examine the circumstances in which people treated by the national health service were given contaminated blood.
Swann To 'Carefully Consider' New Infected Blood Inquiry Report
Health Minister Robin Swann has committed to "careful consideration" of the newly published final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry. The Inquiry was established by the UK government to examine the circumstances in which people treated by the national health service were given contaminated blood.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
