Tom Moffatt
Ceist:69 Dr. Moffatt asked the Minister for Health if a haemovigilance network has been set up by his Department in view of recent problems at the Blood Transfusion Service Board. [4328/97]
Written Answers. - Haemovigilance Network.
Limerick East): Haemovigilance is an information system which can be defined as a set of surveillance procedures in relation to blood and blood products. These procedures cover the collection of blood and its components, the follow up of recipients, the collection and assessment of information on unexpected or undesirable results from the therapeutic use of labile blood products, and the prevention of such results. Haemovigilance is thus a system of surveillance that is continuous and standardised including data collection analysis and the dissemination of results.
In November 1995, the National Blood Authority in the UK set up a serious hazards of transfusion initiative. In November 1996, the Blood Transfusion Service Board joined in this UK initiative. The initiative is a voluntary and confidential reporting system which aims to further improve transfusion safety, by analysing reported information on transfusion hazards and translating the finding into transfusion service policy, clinical guidelines and training. The joining of the UK initiative by the BTSB is a significant step towards the establishment of a national haemovigilance network. Part of the role of the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) is to administer a pharmacovigilance service in respect of medicinal products which, under European legislation, include blood products. As part of its pharmacovigilance activities the board receives information on any suspected adverse reactions to blood products. Through its European activities, the board maintains awareness of any relevant information and developments which have implications for the use of blood products and for any other medicinal products in Ireland.