Blood bank boss suspended

The head of the blood bank, Martin Hynes, has been suspended.

The dramatic news follows the creation of a new inquiry into why 28 blood donors infected with Hepatitis C were not told for some years.

The ongoing row between the Cork and Dublin blood services is also understood to be a factor.

It is understood that Mr Hynes intends to go to the High Court shortly to apply for an injunction against his suspension.

Mr Hynes was appointed as CEO several years ago and is a highly-experienced health service official.

The decision by the Board to suspend him follows a meeting between both parties yesterday.

A week ago, Mr Hynes suspended the head of the Cork service, Dr Joan Power, but this was later overturned by the Board.

It followed allegations that Dr Power had refused to hand over files relating to infected donors to the Dublin HQ.

The Board is due to meet Dr Murphy on Monday and then with Dr Power.