Thousands of people with the blood condition haemochromatosis will now be able to donate blood, under a new scheme from the Irish Blood Transfusion Service.

Hereditary haemochromatosis is a disorder in which excess iron is absorbed from food into the body.  The iron accumulates over years and can lead to debilitating and life-threatening complications including liver cirrhosis, diabetes and heart failure. 

Around 40,000 people in Ireland have haemochromatosis.

The treatment for this condition is to remove the iron from the body, usually by taking off pints of blood on a regular basis – a process known as phlebotomy or venesection. 

The IBTS is providing a free phlebotomy service for people with hereditary haemochromatosis in Ireland, whether or not they are eligible or willing to be blood donors for transfusion purposes.

According to the IBTS, hereditary haemochromatosis is common in Ireland, and many of the people who need phlebotomy treatment are fit and well and able to be blood donors. 

This new clinic will offer a free service to people with hereditary haemochromatosis, and will also provide a route for them to become blood donors, hopefully on a regular basis, the IBTS said.

According to the IBTS, it is hoped that within a year the new service will secure around 5,000 donations a year, which is up to 4% of the national blood supply.

The IBTS Haemochromatosis Clinic, at D’Olier Street, Dublin is located on the second floor, Lafayette House, 1-5 D'Olier Street (at O'Connell Bridge).

The clinic will be by appointment only (telephone 01 474 5000) every Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 10am to 12pm (except Public Holidays).

Find out more about haemochromatosis here