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Speeches

Remarks on the Occasion of the Blood Transfusion Service Board “Gold Drop Awards”

Dublin Castle, 26th April 1999

I am delighted to have this opportunity to join you here this evening for the ‘Gold Drop Awards’, which recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievement of people who have donated blood on more than 50 occasions.

Donors make an extraordinary contribution to society. That contribution shows how much you care in a real and practical way for your community and for those who are ill. In truth, without you and your generosity the acute hospital services would simply cease to function. Blood and blood products are fundamentally important to the provision of health services because they are an essential element of most major operations. Through the generosity shown by people receiving awards here this evening, those who are grievously ill and in need of assistance are assured of that assistance. You have given hope and you have helped to save lives.

The recent advertising campaign has highlighted the often unsung and understated role which blood donors play in our health service. The slogan "No dramatics. No heroics. Just 3,000 blood donors required every week" - reflects the vital role of the blood donor. Your generosity makes a difference to people in need, often the difference between life and death, - to the child in hospital, to the accident victim, the cardiac patient and the transplant patient. On behalf of all such patients, their families and indeed on behalf of the people of Ireland, may I say - thank you to each and every donor. The benefits that patients derive from your donation is your reward; the difference you have made to patients is testimony to your sense of responsibility and generosity. You have taken time out from busy lives to attend donor clinics regularly over the years. The awards here tonight are but a small token of appreciation, but it is important that such a considerable achievement by so many donors should be suitably recognised.

There has been much public comment concerning the BTSB in recent years. In any walk of life, when things go wrong, it is important to acknowledge mistakes. It is even more important to have the courage to pick yourself up, to make changes, and to have the determination and commitment to carry on. The past few years have been difficult for the staff of the Blood Transfusion Supply Board. However, the BTSB can take comfort from the dedication and commitment of its staff and from the loyalty of its donors. There is after all much to be proud of.

The national donor collection programme relies heavily upon the continued and valuable contribution of the voluntary donor organisers. Their efforts in overseeing the local clinics, are much appreciated. They, too, are among the unsung heroes, giving selflessly of their time and energy for such an important cause.

I would also like to commend the Board and Management of the BTSB, including the new Chief Executive Officer, Mr Martin Hynes and the National Medical Director, Dr William Murphy, who are charged with guiding the organisation through this period of tremendous change. I wish you well in your future work.

In conclusion, I wish to thank the BTSB for the opportunity to pay tribute to you, the Donors. Your loyalty to the transfusion service over the years has remained unshaken. I commend your sense of civic duty and commitment to the welfare of others. I hope that you will all very much enjoy this evening's celebration.