HOSPITAL APPEALS FOR NEW BLOOD DONORS
Hospital appeals for new blood donors
By Suzanne Rodgers
DOCTORS in Altnagelvin today appealed for new blood donors to come forward to replace supplies.
Blood had to be brought in from Co Donegal to help treat victims of the Omagh blast taken to Altnagelvin.
A hospital spokeswoman said getting supplies from Letterkenny, 20 miles away, meant people were treated more quickly on Saturday.
Dr Mary Ryan said those who came forward to give blood in response to the bomb cannot do so again for six months, so new donors are needed.
She said: "Having diminished our stocks we were a bit vulnerable so we rang Letterkenny General Hospital who sent us blood with a Garda escort, which got here within 20 minutes. That blood was used right away as casualties started to arrive.
"It was really fantastic because, although we were going to get blood from Belfast, the distance means that it's about two hours."
Three people being treated at Altnagelvin Hospital have lost limbs and two are seriously ill.
By Suzanne Rodgers
DOCTORS in Altnagelvin today appealed for new blood donors to come forward to replace supplies.
Blood had to be brought in from Co Donegal to help treat victims of the Omagh blast taken to Altnagelvin.
A hospital spokeswoman said getting supplies from Letterkenny, 20 miles away, meant people were treated more quickly on Saturday.
Dr Mary Ryan said those who came forward to give blood in response to the bomb cannot do so again for six months, so new donors are needed.
She said: "Having diminished our stocks we were a bit vulnerable so we rang Letterkenny General Hospital who sent us blood with a Garda escort, which got here within 20 minutes. That blood was used right away as casualties started to arrive.
"It was really fantastic because, although we were going to get blood from Belfast, the distance means that it's about two hours."
Three people being treated at Altnagelvin Hospital have lost limbs and two are seriously ill.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0147
Published Date: 21-Aug-98
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