‘Patients not at risk’ over blood delays

THE North Eastern Health Board has denied women’s lives are at risk because of delays in supplying blood products at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Co Louth.

A report in the Irish Medical Times, based on a letter written by a consultant to management at the hospital, said blood that was not cross-matched was being given to patients because of inadequate staff, equipment and facilities in the hospital’s laboratories.

According to the report, the letter also expressed concern at the hospital’s ability to supply patients with adequate blood products in an appropriate timeframe.