§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration is being given to donor convenience and the views of doctors and hospitals in the current review of the blood transfusion service.
§ Mr. SackvilleDonors' interests are a key feature in the national blood authority's proposals. Under the proposals, blood collection would be readily accessible to donors. Mobile teams would go out to donors in all areas whether the centres are amalgamated or not.
The national blood authority's proposals are the result of a strategic review which included the views of doctors and hospitals. The authority is consulting with hospitals locally and drawing up a detailed plan to cover all their requirements. Views have also been sought from various bodies representing the medical profession. The National Blood Authority is undertaking a national consultation on its proposals. The results will be carefully considered before decisions are made.
§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much blood is currently held at the blood transfusion centre, Liverpool; what capacity it has for the storage of blood; and what capacity for storing blood exists in the hospitals served by the centre.
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§ Mr. SackvilleThe blood stock held at the Liverpool blood transfusion centre varies from day to day. The centre can comfortably hold between 3,500 and 4,000 units. Figures are not available centrally for blood storage capacity in the hospitals served by the centre. The proposals to reorganise the national blood service include improved blood stockholding units so that all hospitals, including those in Liverpool, have easy access to supplies.