Bernard Allen
Ceist:166 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when he will implement the recommendations of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children that two blood testing centres, at Cork and Dublin, should remain. [16426/00]
Written Answers. - Blood Transfusion Service.
Responsibility for the organisation and management of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service is a matter for its board of management. In April 2000 the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children published its report on single site testing of blood products which I have studied in detail. The joint committee considered that the import of the presentations made to it might be that the security, backup and synergy provided through enhancing the present two site testing arrangements seem significantly superior to relying on a new and as yet unproven centre for all the country's blood testing facilities. The report also refers to the need to ensure optimal patient care in accordance with international practice and to optimise resources to the maximum possible degree. It also refers to the risk of contamination of centralised laboratories and of closure due to industrial problems.
I understand that the board's preliminary consideration of the report took place at its meetings on 10 May and 7 June and detailed consideration of the report is now taking place. I expect to meet the board as soon as it completes its consideration of the report. I also understand that the joint committee has recently met a representative of the board concerning the report.
The committee's report also refers to contention between two of the IBTS centres. I have also been informed by the board that its 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 need to address weaknesses identified in 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. Staff of the IBTS are currently 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 has recently reviewed progress to date in achieving this key objective and considers that further action is now required given the establishment of two additional mobile centres.
The board fully recognises the importance of the participation of staff in the ongoing development of the organisation and in improving services to 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 on 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 board will review the implementation of this initiative on an ongoing basis.
I remain concerned about the ongoing tension within the IBTS. I have raised this matter with the board and I believe that there is a strong obligation on all concerned to resolve outstanding issues that have given rise to this tension.