The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is launching a new campaign to recruit platelet donors and to increase the public understanding of what platelets are and why they are needed

Platelets are a tiny part of our blood that have an important role in helping us to form a clot if there is bleeding from a blood vessel. Without them, the simplest bump or cut could become very serious and even life-threatening as the healing process cannot start and bleeding can be very difficult to control.

Platelets are often required during the treatment of patients with cancer and leukemia, who may require bone marrow transplantation. Platelets may also be required in the treatment of very small, newborn babies and in those who have suffered burns.

In this campaign video, Dr Cathy Gibbons, Consultant Paediatric Intensivist, Temple Street Children’s University Hospital encourages anyone who can donate platelets to do so.

“There are many babies, children and adults in Ireland who have low numbers of platelets or platelets that do not work well. Platelets are most often used by children and adults undergoing chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant. They are often unable to make new platelets and are completely dependent on donated platelets to survive. Other patients who use platelets are those who had major injuries or surgery with severe blood loss and patients in intensive care units who are very unwell” said Dr Gibbons

Children with cancer are dependent on blood and platelet donations to stay alive while they undergo chemotherapy treatment. A donation is literally a gift of life for these young patients.

Give Platelets, Save Lives

To become a platelet donor call

• Dublin: 01 432 2833
• Cork: 021 480 7429