I was greatly concerned to hear that some non-emergency operations may not proceed because the stocks of blood supply are critically low and that we have been forced to import blood products from the Netherlands to get the health service over the latest crisis in the level of blood supply. It is evident this problem stems from the dearth of public confidence in the BTSB and the blood supply because of the fallout from the hepatitis C scandal. The drastic reduction in the number of blood donations by members of the public must be curbed immediately. Otherwise, it will further undermine the role of the BTSB and affect the vital work carried out in our hospitals on a daily basis.
It is obvious the bad publicity resulting from the hepatitis C scandal has seriously undermined the public's confidence in the work of the BTSB and, while the staff of the board are working extremely hard to try to restore that confidence, it will take a long time. Further action needs to be taken by the Minister for Health and Children. The BTSB has a serious image problem because of the negative events with which it has been associated in recent years. That image must be changed urgently. The association between blood donations and assisting those who are seriously ill must be re-established urgently. We must put considerable time and resources into updating the message the BTSB has been selling for many years. This is particularly important because of events in recent years.
In his report, following the tribunal of inquiry into the BTSB, Mr. Justice Finlay stated that a major contribution to the maintenance of public confidence in the blood supply and blood products could be made by setting up a blood services consumer council. Such a council would be kept informed of relevant matters concerning the supply of blood and would have the right to make representations to the BTSB and the Irish Medicines Board on issues relating to the supply of blood. I urge the Minister to follow through on this clear recommendation in the Finlay report on the BTSB. It would ensure constant analysis of the levels of blood supply and help in the process of building confidence in the BTSB.
As recently as the end of January the Minister for Health and Children gave assurances, in reply to a parliamentary question, that there were sufficient blood stocks at hospitals and the BTSB to meet hospital requirements. Why did he seem so complacent a mere three months ago? Judging by Dr. Murphy's stark warning yesterday, the problem is urgent. Why was that not foreseen and appropriate action not taken when it first arose? During the winter months there are additional pressures and perhaps excuses can be made but undoubtedly stocks have run dangerously low in the intervening period. It is not good enough for the Minister to take this casual approach — we need much more than an ad hoc, stop-start policy on blood supplies.
Our hospitals and health services depend on an ample supply of quality blood. Without adequate supplies the job of medical staff is made much more difficult and in some cases it is possible that people's lives could be put in danger. It is vital that the Department of Health and Children and the BTSB heed Dr. Murphy's warnings. It is imperative that the Government acts swiftly on his warning and makes funding available for a major advertising drive to recruit more blood donors in the coming weeks. In the short term we must increase blood stocks, as this is the immediate problem facing our hospitals.
Much needs to be done in the long term but we have a short-term problem. I regret that the Minister is not here to reply but I urge him to become personally involved in the drive to recruit additional blood donors. Perhaps he should ask leaders of trade unions, industry and the arts to highlight this need and to ask the public to contribute to the welfare of the community by donating blood to those who need it. The issue is so urgent that it is necessary for the Minister to give a lead without delay.
