Committee a ‘rubber stamp’ mechanism

THE national committee set up to coordinate services for people with haemophilia held its last meeting 13 years ago and was little more than a “rubber stamp” mechanism up to then.

The Lindsay Report says the National Haemophilia Services Coordinating Committee, which existed in one form or another since 1971, failed to fulfil many of its responsibilities.

It was supposed to advise the Department of Health and other statutory bodies involved in the care of haemophiliacs, to foster and develop the National Haemophilia Treatment Centre and regional clinics, and to ensure communication and cooperation between all parties.