Health Minister welcomes findings of Blood Safety Review

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey spoke today about the Blood Safety report published by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA).

Each year, around 60,000 units of blood components are used in Northern Ireland for the treatment of chronic disorders, for people undergoing operations and in emergency situations.

Last year, the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) was commissioned by the Department to carry out a review of the implementation of the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) ‘Right Patient Right Blood’ safety notice.

The report found that Trusts and independent healthcare facilities in Northern Ireland have good operational control of blood transfusion and compliance with the NPSA’s safety notice has been substantially achieved.

Speaking as he donated blood at the NIBTS HQ in Belfast, Mr McGimpsey said: “I commissioned the RQIA to consider how effectively health providers in Northern Ireland had implemented guidance on ensuring safe practice in the use of blood. I am very encouraged by the findings which show that there are high standards applied to blood transfusion in Northern Ireland.

“Staff in the Health and Social Care service (HSC) are to be commended for the excellent work that has been carried out to ensure the guidance was implemented within the tight timescales. This is a significant achievement given the challenges which were required to be overcome.”

The RQIA has made a number of recommendations which will assist the Service to deliver the highest levels of service and quality.

Concluding the Minister said: “The next step will be for the HSC to build on the good work that has already been done and to put in place the arrangements to deliver against the report recommendations.”

Notes for editors:

1. The RQIA (Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority) was established under the Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003. It is an independent body responsible for monitoring and inspecting the availability and quality of health and social services care in Northern Ireland, and encouraging improvements in the quality of those services.

2. The RQIA report makes a number of recommendations – 22 for the Trusts and 17 for Independent Healthcare Providers. The majority of recommendations are in relation to training/assessment recording and harmonising policies.

3. A copy of the report can be found on the RQIA website.

4. Media queries should be directed to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 2841, or out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.