People need to give more blood

CPTM · 26-12-2021 11:04am

I tried to donate but they redlisted me because a GP once tested for hemochromatosis 5 years ago. Despite me having normal bloods and a negative result on that test, they won't take my bloods. If I'd said 'No' to that question, there would have been 5 years of blood donations from me. They're way too strict but I suppose they have to be. They've no sympathy from me though.

Bogwoppit · 26-12-2021 11:51am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118373798#Comment_118373798

Do you have an appropriate medical background along with data to back up your opinion?

Personally I’m glad they’re very strict, if a person is very sick and their immune system is compromised, the last thing they need is an added complication from a sub standard blood product.

Pawwed Rig · 26-12-2021 12:22pm

As a number of posters above have said they need to make it easier to donate. D'Olier Street is a pox of a place to get to. They should have regular mobile clinics going around the place.

They had them when I was living in Naas. I was at 20+ donations but cannot give 3 or 4 hours to go to D'Olier Street.

Fandymo · 26-12-2021 1:36pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118373562#Comment_118373562

In what way is it selfish or narcissistic? It’s basic supply and demand. Blood is needed, I have untainted blood. If it was any other commodity and only 3% of the supply was available in Ireland (as posted earlier in the thread) then the price would naturally go up.

What price would you put on a life? I reckon €5000 to be an organ donor is value for money, you could save up to 8 lives with my organ donation from what I’ve read, is a life not worth €625??

I’d say €50 per blood donation would be about right, although if I’d a rare type that would increase.

Everyones a winner

Seth Brundle · 26-12-2021 1:48pm

I’d say €50 per blood donation would be about right, although if I’d a rare type that would increase.

Everyones a winner

...except those who are so poor that this becomes a means to earn much needed cash. Why not make it so that people can donate more frequently also? What's the worst that could happen?

Normal countries wouldn't (and shouldn't) commodotise the sale of blood and body parts.

Shelga · 26-12-2021 2:44pm

They definitely need to make it easier to donate, starting with an online booking system. I hate talking to people on the phone and usually defer making the appointment for this reason. Maybe it's because they want a human to ask you the initial eligibility questions before booking you in, but they ask them all again twice at the clinic anyway, so doesn't make much sense to me.

There are also no local clinics being run anymore, meaning a trip into town. If you work full time, this usually restricts you to a Wednesday or Thursday evening as these are their only "late" evenings. I would be far more inclined to pop by if it was the travelling van thing they used to have, and it was in my area.

Covid rules have also made it more difficult to donate- you can't attend if you've been out of the country in the last 2 weeks (maybe this was always a thing, but I think it's just since covid?) and walk-ins are forbidden now. I've donated about 18 times I think, and made an appointment there recently- when I arrived after work one evening I was prevented from donating as I was only 12 days recovered from a cold (I had had a negative PCR test so thought it would be ok).

It's not as simple as people being too lazy to donate, you have to be really motivated to organise and do it, I don't think they make it that easy. After the recent experience, I'm just going to wait until after I've had my booster, and work around trips away I have planned, etc.

Hippodrome Song Owl · 26-12-2021 2:53pm

I can't donate anymore because of the height/weight requirements for women that were introduced a few years ago. Many women I know are in the same situation.

26-12-2021 6:30pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058223899/people-need-to-give-more-blood

I usually hate rants, "outraged" posts and lectures- but yeah, in this case you're right. Haven't given in a while so off my arse I will go- thanks ;)

CPTM · 26-12-2021 7:13pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118373906#Comment_118373906

Yes I have my GP telling me it's demonstrably fine and they have no reason to reject my offer. It was a test which came back negative and my bloods are completely normal.

26-12-2021 7:22pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118375399#Comment_118375399

You should try ring em up,that seems an incredibly pointless reason to deny it.....anyone who ever had a blood test would be denied by that logic

Bogwoppit · 26-12-2021 7:44pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118375399#Comment_118375399

You should get on to them and explain, that does seem pretty unreasonable.

People need to give more blood

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