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MARY ROBINSON - ON THE OCCASION OF THE BLOOD TRANSFUSION BOARD’S PRESENTATION OF GOLD DROP AWARDS

SPEAKING NOTES TO BLOOD AND PLASMA DONORS AT THE BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE BOARD, ON FRIDAY, 19TH NOVEMBER, 1993 AT 6.00 P.M.

-    I am delighted to be with you here this evening to present these Gold Drop awards.  It is a great occasion for you, the donors, and we honour you this evening.

 

-    Blood and blood products are fundamental to the provision of the health services, since they are a critical element in most major operations.  Heart transplants and heart by-pass operations, kidney and liver transplants and many other surgical procedures could not take place without the "vital" commodity of blood.  Many of the patients concerned will enjoy a quality of life and health that would never have been possible before their surgery.  Through your kindness in donating blood, you have brought consolation and hope too many people who are ill and in need of a transfusion and saved the lives of many patients.  It is true to say that the giving of blood means the giving of life.

 

-    The example set by the blood donors here present is an inspiration to others to contribute unselfishly for the welfare of the community.  The donation of blood is a relatively painless process and the majority of people can become blood donors.

 

-    I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to all people who can donate blood to do so to ensure that an adequate supply of blood is available for the needs of our population.  As you all know, it is an ongoing challenge to the service to ensure an adequate level of donations.  The present level of donations must be maintained, increased if possible.

 

-    The fact that the blood donor service depends upon voluntary, non-remunerated donation is a remarkable testimony to the generosity and loyalty of Irish donors.  Voluntary blood donations are a very real manifestation of the underlying principle of our health services.  This principle is quite simple - those who are sick should be looked after by those lucky enough to have their health.  The people here this evening, who are receiving awards, epitomise the spirit of good neighbourliness and concern for others which is an integral part of the Irish way of life.  Through your kindness, you have shown a concern for others and a willingness to make sacrifices for the good of others.

 

-    The Blood Transfusion Service plays an essential role in patient care and the achievements over the years are a credit to the service and its donors.  I would like to pay tribute to the staff of the transfusion service.  On behalf of the countless people who have reason to be grateful, I thank you for your steadfast commitment and dedication.

 

-    All blood donors play a vital role in the Board's success and the donors here this evening can be exceedingly proud of your Gold Drop Award.  It is indeed a fine achievement and I thank you for the extraordinary support and commitment you have given the Blood Transfusion Service Board.

 

-    It only remains for me to thank you once again for inviting me here and to wish the Board and staff of the blood transfusion service every success in the future.  It now gives me great pleasure to present these Gold Drop Awards.