Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Apr 2000

Vol. 518 No. 4

Written Answers. - Irish Blood Transfusion Service.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

174 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Blood Transfusion Service Board in Cork has retained sufficient autonomy to deliver the optimum level of service in view of recent developments (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11995/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

Responsibility for the organisation and management of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, IBTS, is a matter for its board of management. Staff of the IBTS are located at three centres, namely, Dublin, Cork and Limerick. Additional staff will be located at two new mobile blood collection centres which are being established in Carlow and Ardee, County Louth.

The board's objective is to develop a national cohesive organisation which meets the needs of the hospital services effectively and efficiently. This objective is based on the findings of a number of reports including the report of the expert group on the BTSB, the Bain report and the report of the tribunal of inquiry into the BTSB, Finlay Report. The board has recently reviewed progress to date in achieving this key objective and considers that further action is now required. This is particularly the case given the establishment of two additional mobile centres.

The board fully recognises the importance of the participation of staff in the ongoing develop ment of the organisation and in improving services for hospitals throughout the country. A consultative process has commenced which is being managed on a collaborative basis involving staff on a functional, such as medical, technical, nursing and donor services, rather than a traditional geographic basis. The board considers that all staff should fully engage in this process in the interests of the organisation as a whole. The board is also developing a revised committee-team structure which will ensure appropriate and ongoing involvement of staff in the planning and implementation of board policy. The question of autonomy for any element of its service on a geographic basis would be in conflict with the board's own reorganisation strategy, undermine the governance function of the board and the corporate responsibilities of the chief executive officer and national medical director.

The board will review the implementation of this initiative on an ongoing basis.