An urgent appeal has been made for blood donors in Northern Ireland to come forward ahead of the bank holiday weekend.
The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) has made the appeal to ensure hospitals across the region are stocked up before the 12 July public holiday.
A blood donor is needed every eight minutes according to the NIBTS.
They said that every week, hundreds of people in Northern Ireland rely on donated blood to help them survive traumatic injuries, surgeries, childbirth and illnesses such as liver disease and cancer.
Barbara Mullin, head of blood and component supply services from the NIBTS, said most of the blood donated last week has already been used.
"We need a full house of blood donors to help our hospitals. Every blood donation saves three people's lives right here in Northern Ireland," she said.
The organisation said first-time donors are welcome, and described the process of giving blood as quick and painless, taking as little as 27 minutes.
Sessions are taking place this week in Coalisland, Hillsborough, Carrickmore and Saintfield.
Next week, sessions will be taking place in Garvagh, Carryduff, Bessbrook, Larne, Portadown, Dunloy and Holywood.
"Do something truly fantastic, book your place now to give blood. People's lives depend on it," Ms Mullin added.
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Urgent appeal for blood donations as supply falls
