Crumlin Children's Hospital thanks Blood Platelet Donors
14 Jun 2005

Today, on World Blood Donor Day (Tuesday 14 June 2005 at 2.15pm) a reception took place at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children Crumlin (OLHSC) to honor and thank those people who donate blood platelets to the sick children attending the hospital.

Attendees at the reception included members of the Defence Forces, Gardai, Fire and Ambulance Services and parents of sick children who have been ongoing supporters of the Platelet Donor Programme conducted at OLHSC.  Each donor will receive a special OLHSC hospital gold badge and thank you card from the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) to mark their generous contribution.

Speaking at the reception, Dr William Murphy, National Medical Director of the IBTS said:

"The need for blood and platelets is universal. The demand never stops. The IBTS are most grateful to all donors who voluntarily donate their platelets without reward or remuneration.  These donations have saved the lives of many sick children attending OLHSC".

Dr Aengus O'Marcaigh, Consultant Paediatric Haematologist at OLHSC said:

"Platelets are one of the vital components of the blood and essential for treating children with leukemia. The platelets help blood to clot and so stop bleeding. Some very serious medical problems need treatment with extremely powerful medicines that kill off healthy as well as diseased cells in the blood. Children with problems like this need to be given platelets while their blood count recovers normally. These donations are extremely valuable. Platelets have helped save the lives of many sick children attending Our Lady's in particular those children suffering from childhood cancers, cardiac diseases and new born babies undergoing surgery".

"The availability of safe blood for all patients who require transfusion depends on the extraordinary generosity of those individuals who donate it.  On World Blood Donor Day therefore the children, families and staff of Our Lady's salute and congratulate them all", said Gerry O?Dwyer, Chief Executive at Crumlin Children's Hospital.

To become a blood platelet donor at OLHSC contact Noeleen Comey, Nurse Manager at OLHSC - Telephone (01) 4096100 or 4096400.

Further Information:

Cell Separator Unit at OLHSC:

The Cell Separator Unit at OLHSC has been in operation since 1984.  The IBTS now provides a service whereby platelets collected at OLHSC are processed, tested, released and despatched for use in OLHSC in conformance with all quality and regulatory requirements.

How are Platelets collected?

In a process called "Apheresis" the donors blood is passed through a special cell separator machine which extracts the platelets from the blood. The process uses the most modern technology to meet the growing standard for platelet transfusions. The donation itself takes approximately one hour during which the donor can relax by reading/watching television.

Who can be a donor?

Anyone between the ages of 18 and 60 who is physically healthy and weighs more than 55kgs.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects are an extremely rare experience.