ON THE OCCASION OF THE BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE BOARD’S PRESENTATION OF THE GOLD DROP AWARDS
ON THE OCCASION OF THE BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE BOARD'S PRESENTATION OF THE GOLD DROP AWARDS AT THE BURLINGTON HOTEL, DUBLIN
I am very pleased to be with you here today for the presentation of the Blood Transfusion Service Board's Gold Drop Awards to blood donors who have donated fifty units of blood.
- Blood and blood products are fundamental to the provision of the health services since they are a critical element of most major operations. Heart transplants, and heart by-pass operations, kidney and liver transplants and many other surgical procedures could not take place without blood for transfusions. Just how critical blood and blood products are in the treatment of many conditions has been brought home to us in recent tragedies. I know that I speak for all of you when I express the widespread distress caused by the plight of persons who have suffered as a result of receiving contaminated blood or blood products.
- In the face of those great personal tragedies we are all the more indebted to you for your continuing generosity in donating blood and in maintaining vital supplies of this life-giving force.
- About 3,000 units of blood are required each week to maintain routine supplies to hospitals. It is crucially important therefore that the present level of blood donation is maintained and indeed increased if possible. I am confident that, with your example, we can continue to rely on the great generosity of donors to ensure that an adequate supply of blood is available to meet the needs of people.
- The hospitals and, indeed, the entire health service rely on voluntary blood donations, gifts made by some for the benefit of others less fortunate, so that they may be restored to good health or enjoy a better quality of life than would otherwise have been possible.
- The fact that the Irish blood donor service depends upon voluntary unpaid donations is a remarkable testimony to the loyalty and goodwill of donors in this country. I would like to thank you for the extraordinary support you have given over the years. The Gold Drop Award acknowledges the unselfish contribution made by you towards the greater good of the whole community. Through your kindness and generosity you have brought hope and comfort to many who are ill and in need of your support. The example shown by you serves as an inspiration to others.
- It now gives me great pleasure to present the Gold Drop Awards.