PLATELETS are needed every day for the treatment of patients with cancer, leukaemia, premature babies, major surgery, burns patients, accident victims who have had extensive injury and new born babies.

However, platelets have the shortest shelf life of all blood components, lasting only 7 days.

This means we have a constant need for platelet donors to ensure we meet the needs of these patients.

Why do we need your life saving platelets?

Over 24,000 platelet transfusions are needed every year in Ireland.

We need every blood group every single day. Many of Ireland’s patients rely on platelets, so it is important supplies are constantly replenished.

Platelets are essential to enable blood to clot properly and are a component of blood.

Patients who do not have enough platelets in their blood are at risk of spontaneous bleeding.

How do I know if I can give platelets?

To find out if you are able to donate platelets take the eligibility quiz on www.giveblood.ie and fill in the online application form

Call 432 2833 (Dublin) 021 480 7429 (Cork) to speak to one of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service staff about giving platelets.

There are two platelet clinics in Ireland

• National Blood Centre, James Street, Dublin 8
• Munster Regional Transfusion Centre

St. Finbarr’s Hospital, Douglas Road, Cork

Meet one of the platelet Donors who donates in Dublin:

My name is Philip Dunne and I am a platelet donor in the National Blood Centre, James Street, Dublin 8.

I am from Celbridge and was a blood donor for many years as both my parents encouraged me to donate.

I became a platelet donor over 8 years ago as my wife took up a position as a Nurse in the platelet Clinic.

I did not know about platelets before this and it was only then that I discovered the amazing benefits of platelets for young and old.

After a few months of donating platelets I realised I knew people who had received platelets and it was obvious then that I needed to continue donating and encourage as many people as possible to become donors.

I regularly post updates on social media when I am donating to increase awareness.