§ Lord Aucklandasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps are being taken to provide a new blood transfusion centre for Northern Ireland.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Lord Skelmersdale)The Government have just given final approval to a new £7.7 million purpose-built transfusion centre on the site of the Belfast City Hospital. Construction of the new centre, which will provide the most modern and up-to-date facilities, is expected to start early in 1992 and should be completed within two years.
The success of a blood transfusion service depends on donors attending regularly and in sufficient numbers to meet demands. In this respect, the people of Northern Ireland have an excellent record but we would encourage even more to come forward so that we can attain our ultimate goal of being self-sufficient in the supply of blood and blood products.