Supply in some groups is at just three days.

Now the Irish Blood Transfusion Service is asking for immediate public and donor support to help recover the national blood supply to the general rate of seven days’ stock.

“Hospitals have been experiencing extreme pressures recently and there has been a sustained high demand for blood,” said Paul McKinney, Director of Donor Services and Logistics.

“The recent high level of respiratory illness in the community has also impacted the collection of blood and as a result, we are running critically low across all blood groups.”

In order to avoid putting further pressure on the hospital system, the IBTS need as many donors as possible to attend donation clinics over the coming days.

”If you receive a text message from us, please respond to the number provided and make an appointment, RhD negative donors can attend any clinic and they will be accommodated.” added McKinney.

“Support from our donors has as usual been superb over the last few challenging months and we are very grateful for that. We constantly need new donors and anybody interested in becoming a new donor should register their interest on our website (giveblood.ie) where you will also find all clinic locations/opening hours and all frequently asked questions.”

In advance of the new Public Holiday the service is also running additional clinics on Sunday, January 29th, 2023.