§ Mr. GodsiffTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what guidance he proposes to issue to hospitals on the purchase of blood bags; and if he will make a statement. [35357]
(2) what were the reasons for the switch by the National Blood Authority to the purchase of blood bags from Tuta; and if he will investigate whether the National Blood Authority ignored warnings that there were problems with the new supply of blood bags. [35329]
§ Mr. SackvilleThe supply of blood to hospitals, including the purchase of bags to be used for the collection of blood, is managed by the National Blood Authority.
The National Blood Authority's national contract for blood bags was intended to replace 14 regional contracts to strengthen the negotiating position with the previous monopoly supplier, and to introduce one or more alternative sources of supply with no change in product specification.
Isolated problems with Tuta bags which arose last year were resolved by the National Blood Authority as part of the normal monitoring and validation process which takes place on such a product change.
Tuta is a global concern. It supplies about 20 per cent. of the bags used in England. Its products had been used successfully in other parts of the UK for almost 30 years.
When the problem with Tuta bags became apparent, the NBA advised their use be discontinued. I understand that the National Blood Authority's investigation is continuing.
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