Calls for new blood test centre

THE Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) was urged yesterday to move immediately to provide a new upgraded blood testing centre for Cork recommended by an international panel of experts.

The call was made by Batt O'Keeffe, chairman of the Southern Health Board, who also pressed Health Minister Micheál Martin to provide the necessary funding for the centre.

The board yesterday welcomed and accepted the main recommendation that testing in Cork should be retained and developed.