Replenish Bloodbanks, Says MLAs

There has been a call for a 'cultural shift' around the issue of blood donation.

Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson, John McCallister has joined fellow UUP MLA for South Antrim, Danny Kinahan, (pictured) in insisting that the "need is too great, and too close to home, to ignore".

Mr Kinahan said: "Given that just 7% of those eligible to donate blood actually do so on a regular basis, it is clear that we need to take this a lot more seriously.

"Blood donation must become a community expectation, rather than an exceptional act," he said, speaking after it was revealed that the recent cold snap brought blood bank levels perilously low.

Danny Kinahan said that the events of last week brought the urgency of need home to roost: "We as political representatives must lead by example, which is why I have spoken to Department of Health officials about bringing a blood donation event to Parliament Buildings.

"This is not just about a one-off gesture, we need to dramatically increase regular donor numbers as, quite honestly, none of us know when we might owe our lives to their contribution," he said.

UUP Health Spokesperson John McCallister said that that the margin between what is available and what is needed is critical: "We're talking somewhere in the region of 500 people in Northern Ireland alone needing blood each week, with about 300 people a day needed to donate to meet that need.

"While the bad weather in recent weeks made the case more urgent, there is clearly an underlying issue around the 'normality' of being a blood donor.

"I would urge anyone who just hasn't got around to giving, or is nervously hanging back, to consider being a blood donor.

"Your donation could literally mean the difference between life and death for someone," he insisted.

(BMcC/GK)