Dual blood test site move ‘ends sorry saga’
Health board members and the medical profession in Munster had serious reservations about a previous blood bank decision in 1999 to centralise testing in Dublin.
Yesterday, the board of the IBTS agreed on an implementation plan for the Report of the International Panel on donation testing in Ireland that urged that testing in Cork should be retained and developed.
The panel of three international experts said it was vital to have each centre capable of acting as a back-up to the other. IBTS chairman Michael McLoone said the board would be recommending to Health Minister Micheál Martin that dual site testing be retained.
The board also decided that a new Cork centre would be developed on the campus of Cork University Hospital to support academic, educational, research and development activities. The centre is located in the grounds of St Finbarr’s Hospital.
The report also highlighted the absence of a unified computer system now being implemented by the IBTS. The system will be operational by mid-March in Cork and by mid-May in Dublin.
Mr O’Keeffe said he was delighted with the board’s decision, but it was not unexpected because he and Mr McLoone had been in close contact on the matter.
“There has been common ground and common thinking between us,” said Mr O’Keeffe.
“We were determined that we would bring the project in Cork to fruition and we were determined to ensure that good relationships that have now been established between Cork and Dublin would continue into the future.” He believed the decision on dual site testing was in the best interest of the IBTS because it would ensure the high quality and safety of blood and blood products.
Mr O’Keeffe said the present centre had been criticised by the Irish Medicines Board and a new building was required, whether or not there was to be dual site testing.
The IBTS already has a design brief for the new centre which is well advanced and will greatly assist them in assessing the implications of adding testing facilities.
Mr O’Keeffe said he understood that Mr Martin had made provision for the new testing facility in Cork. He was hoping to meet him next week to ensure that the project goes ahead as soon as possible. He was also due to meet with Mr McLoone to conclude any issues of mutual interest.
