New report contradicts attempts of BTS

A new report out this evening is contradicting efforts by the Blood Transfusion Service and the Department of Health to centralise blood testing in Dublin.

The news marks a significant victory for the Southern Health Board, which has been involved in a long running row over attempts to close the test centre in Cork.

Professor Thomas Zuck of the Expert Group that compiled the report says it makes sense to keep on a second testing facility.

"It might cost somewhat more but when we start to balance the cost against having a test system in a foreign country having to send the samples there on a regular basis there to make sure their system works, the transportation works, the daily management works," he said.

"All these systems you have to have in place for back-up."