Vol. 531 No. 1
89 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the recent call by 250 consultants and doctors for the resignation of the board of the Blood Transfusion Service due to the decision of the board to downgrade the Cork Blood Testing Centre. [5025/01]
The board of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service has in recent years achieved a significant re-organisation and redevelopment of its activities. I have acknowledged publicly these achievements which involved considerable input and support from staff throughout the service. This substantial programme of change has been developed and overseen by a dedicated and committed board. Members of the board give of their time and expertise on a voluntary basis and have important and busy medical and professional careers. Membership is demanding, time consuming and reflects a genuine and practical commitment to an essential public service. I consider that the call made by clinicians for the resignation of board members is unfair to board members. The statement does nothing to build confidence in the organisation among its staff, its donors or the general public. I have expressed my concern about the breakdown in the relationships between clinicians in Munster and the board. The maintenance of public confidence in the blood service requires a healthy and harmonious relationship between all clinicians and the IBTS. This is why in my view the statement should be withdrawn and the clinicians concerned should pursue the issues through correct procedures of effective dialogue and partnership. I am prepared to meet representatives of the clinicians concerned to progress this issue.
