Vol. 543 No. 4
105 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will seek to have the chief executive of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service withdraw statements regarding the ongoing differences between the services in Cork and Dublin; and his views on the sentiments of this statement. [27402/01]
I do not propose to comment on the remarks reportedly made by the chief executive officer of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service. However, I note that the comments referred to by the Deputy were a minor part of a major article in the Irish Medical Times on the substantial achievements of the IBTS over the last few years and on the challenges which the service will meet going forward.
It is my view that the debate on testing has taken away from the major achievements of the service in recent years. The debate attempts to portray the organisation as split on geographic lines and seems to visualise Dublin and Cork as separate and competing entities. As I have advised the House, this is not a basis for achieving a truly national organisation. The board exercises its governance function regardless of geography, and it is essential that this function be respected.
As the Deputy is aware the IBTS in March 2001 based on a recommendation from its chief executive officer and national medical director agreed to establish a three person committee of international experts of standing in the field of blood transfusion to review the decision of the board of July 1999 to consolidate testing at its national headquarters. The IBTS and the Southern Health Board are to nominate one expert each and the third to be jointly agreed.
106 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has sought an explanation from the Irish Blood Transfusion Service on the reason for the delay in the implementation of their new computer system; the reason for the delay; and when they propose to have the new computer system in place. [27403/01]
I have been given to understand that a significant delay in the implementation of the new computer system was due to a specific problem with the new software which had quality assurance implications. This problem was identified during the rigorous testing programme which the Irish Blood Transfusion Service undertook on all facets of the new system. This required modifications to be carried out by the supplier and there was a delay while this was being resolved.
107 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will comment on a reported statement by a person (details supplied) that the only way to raise the additional 12 million required for running the blood transfusion service was to increase the Irish Blood Transfusion Service's charges to hospitals; and if he will ask the Irish Blood Transfusion Service the way in which they can justify another major increase in the cost of a unit blood. [27404/01]
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service derives its income from charges to hospitals for the blood components, blood products and services it provides. The IBTS has sought a significant increase in charges in 2002 to meet anticipated increases in its cost-base, including the following: costs associated with the continued implementation of the service's redevelopment plan together with its blood quality and safety programme; costs arising in respect of measures to minimise the risk of transmission of vCJD, including the replacement of plasma and cryoprecipate with imported products; the loss of income arising from the reduction in the demand for red cells through the introduction of blood conservation strategies in hospitals; costs of new mobile clinic in the western region and fixed donor clinics; increased donor recruitment and advertising costs; new HIV and hepatitis B core tests to enhance blood quality and safety; pathogen inactivation of labile blood products; and increased pay costs under the Partnership for Prosperity and Fairness.
My Department is considering the submission of the IBTS in the context of resources for the health services for next year. Notwithstanding the necessity to continue to improve blood safety in line with international developments, there is also a requirement on the IBTS to deliver its services in a manner which ensures efficiency and value for money. This is particularly so as any increases in charges in 2002 will be paid out of hospital budgets.
