Sir, - It is common knowledge that the National Blood Transfusion Board, has for some considerable time, been the subject of censure and criticism, both public and political, resulting in ongoing civil litigation. It comes as no surprise then, that the said Board is rightfully concerned at the drop in donor attendance, resulting in a drastic shortfall in blood supplies. The Board, in an effort to reverse this serious trend, have re-scheduled donor clinic times.
As a blood donor for over 40 years, with over one hundred donations to date, I believe that a more radical, enterprising and visionary approach is required in the whole area of blood donation. Common sense would indicate that following the near debacle within the service, that prospective donors are no more likely to donate within rescheduled hours. The public too are rightly concerned, they need reassuring, and above all, proper recognition. I say to members of the Board, wake up, we're on the threshold of the 21st century. The old adage "everything comes to him who waits," is defunct.
I propose the following: 1) Instigate a comprehensive advertising strategy nationwide, extolling the virtues, importance and safety aspects of blood donation. This should be an ongoing campaign. I am not at all happy that the public are knowledgeable in this aspect. I have the gold drop award (50 donations) and the Pelican in Porcelain award (100 donations), but I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of people over the years who recognised them as such. 2) I have no doubt that within the Blood Donation/Transfusion service, that the blood donor is the only unpaid volunteer, and as such it is imperative that full and proper recognition be afforded to those donors who literally give of their life's blood in a voluntary and unselfish manner, thereby epitomising the very spirit of altruism, towards their fellow human beings.
Business today, both private and public, of necessity rewards loyalty and promptness. Is not the NBTB a business? I do not advocate monetary award, as this would cause many problems, and would be alien to the whole concept of voluntary donation. There are many schemes available, however, and I have no doubt in their wisdom, members of the Board, could quite easily initiate one such. Pardon the pun: "What do points (pints) make? Points make prizes".
In conclusion, I would like to commend the doctors and ancillary staff at Pelican House, for their professionalism and caring attitude over the years. - Yours, etc.,
John P. McGuire,
Willow Park Road, Dublin 11.