BTSB urged to extend age limit for donors

The Blood Transfusion Service Board has been urged to accept donations from people over 65 because blood shortages have resulted…

The Blood Transfusion Service Board has been urged to accept donations from people over 65 because blood shortages have resulted in surgical procedures being cancelled at University College Hospital, Galway.

Roscommon councillor Mr Des Bruen (FF) has suggested on a number of occasions that the BTSB should extend its upper age limit for donors from 65 to 70 to tap into this generous pool of blood supply.

Health Board CEO Dr Sheelah Ryan explained that the Council of Europe had set down certain regulations regarding the age bands advisable for blood donation and at the moment it was from 18 and 65.

She said 35 operations had been cancelled at UCHG because of the blood shortage but over the same period 270 of 300 procedures had gone ahead.