McGrath welcomes return of blood donation sessions to Downpatrick
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath has welcomed confirmation from the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) that blood donation sessions will return to Downpatrick this November.
Mr McGrath has been working directly with NIBTS to support the return of donation sessions to the town, including helping to identify suitable local venues. Two potential locations have now been identified, paving the way for sessions to resume.
Mr McGrath said: “I’m absolutely delighted that blood donation is coming back to Downpatrick this November.
“I know there are many people locally who regularly gave blood when sessions were previously held here and who have been keen to see them return. Giving blood is such a simple act, but it can quite literally save someone’s life.
“I’ve been working with the Blood Transfusion Service to see what we could do to get sessions back up and running locally. One of the key issues was finding a suitable venue, so I’m really pleased that two locations have now been identified.
“This is exactly the kind of positive result that comes from sitting down together, identifying what the barriers are and finding a way through them.
“I want to thank NIBTS for engaging positively with me and, most importantly, thank everyone in our community who gives blood or is considering becoming a donor.
“NIBTS has confirmed that they intend to return to Downpatrick in November, with further information on the venue, dates and booking arrangements to follow.
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