‘Bullying and morale problems at IBTS’

BULLYING remains a serious problem within the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) while internal divisions within the organisation are dealing serious blows to staff morale, a report reveals.

Questions have also been raised about the organisation of the service with allegations that donors were left three hours to give blood.

The IBTS Organisation Survey Report, carried out by SHR Consulting, warns of a “subtle bullying” within the organisation, a fear of reporting such activity and a lack of team culture.

It said longstanding differences between the Cork and Dublin centres were leading to a “lack of cooperation between the two ... causing a negative effect to filter down to staff levels”.

According to the Irish Medical News, the study, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, also revealed high staff turnover in certain areas and fears over health and safety.

Up to 68% of IBTS staff took part in the survey.

Meanwhile, reliable sources have said that the controversy surrounding the development of a new regional IBTS centre in Cork is at “crisis point”.

The new building was recommended seven years ago during the Finlay Tribunal but hasn’t been developed despite a government funding commitment.

IBTS regional director, Dr Joan Power, sent a report to the Taoiseach and Tánaiste late last year, calling on them to establish an urgent enquiry into the handling of a number of IBTS issues.

A Department of Health spokesman was unavailable for comment last night.