The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service, NIBTS, wishes to unreservedly apologise for the terrible hurt and loss, as evidenced through the Infected Blood Inquiry, that past acts or omissions have caused.
We acknowledge the courage, fortitude, dignity and perseverance conveyed by the Infected and Affected through their heartfelt evidence and during the many years they have waited for this Inquiry.
It has been incredibly moving and humbling to hear and read the evidence of the Infected and Affected.
The NIBTS committed at the outset to do all that we could, with frankness and transparency, to assist the Infected Blood Inquiry in its search for truth and justice for all. This has been demonstrated by the unambiguous approach taken by the NIBTS in striving to ensure cooperation of the highest level with the Inquiry.
The NIBTS recognises that the value of an apology comes from not only the recognition of the hurt and pain suffered by the Infected and Affected, but the learning that is born out of those very events so that they are never repeated.
On that basis, the NIBTS wishes to address two significant aspects that demonstrate the advancements made in ensuring the safety and quality of its service.
Firstly, its engagement with the Inquiry making clear its commitment to this process, and, secondly, the regulatory environment within which the NIBTS exists.
Today, the NIBTS has one of the safest blood services in the world. We work closely with international partners to continually strive to provide the best service possible for both patients and donors.
Blood donation and transfusion will always carry an element of risk; however, we are confident that with the processes now in place – coupled with the Inquiry’s recommendations – that we and the public can maintain confidence that the events considered by this Inquiry could not happen again.
The NIBTS is a forward-looking organisation that is always seeking to learn and improve the service it provides. In that respect, the NIBTS will explore how we can adopt the Inquiry’s recommendations to deliver improved and enhanced care.
Link to IBI homepage can be found at https://www.infectedbloodinquiry.org.uk/
Email address for queries ibi@nibts.hscni.net
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DO WE KNOW DONORS ARE SAFE TODAY TO DONATE?
Prior to giving blood, donors are required to complete a health check – the donation safety check. This health check consists of a comprehensive questionnaire about medical history and lifestyle and enables us to assess whether it is safe for the donor to give blood but also that the donation is safe for recipients to receive.
We screen blood and blood components for various infections. Some screening procedures are applied to all donations, some only to new donors and some are ‘discretionary’ and used only when indicated by risk factors identified when health screening the donor (for example lifestyle, country of birth or travel risks).
WHAT INFECTIONS DO YOU TEST FOR?
All donations are routinely tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis E, human immunodeficiency virus, syphilis and human T-lymphotropic virus, before they are released into the supply chain.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A DONORS BLOOD IS FOUND TO HAVE AN INFECTION?
All donations are initially tested using a high throughput system, any donation that is repeat reactive in these tests is removed from the blood supply and additional testing carried out to confirm the results and confirm if a donor is positive for the marker of infection. If positive result, in most cases the donor will be suspended and a note made on their donor record so that they cannot donate- either permanently or within a set period of time, depending on the infection or other issue. This will be followed up directly with the donor.
IS THERE STILL A RISK FROM RECEIVING A BLOOD TRANSFUSION?
Compared to other everyday risks, the likelihood of getting an infection from a blood transfusion is very low. Blood donations are screened for several infections which can be transmitted through blood, but it is not practical or possible to screen for all infections, therefore, there will always be a small risk associated with having a blood transfusion.
When you have a transfusion, your team in hospital will explain the risks to you as part of their consent process. Please ask them if you have questions relating to your care.
DO WE IMPORT BLOOD?
We may sometimes share or import blood from other UK nations under mutual aid arrangements. All UK blood transfusion organization follow the same compliant blood practices under regulated practice from MHRA and JPAC guidelines.
MY QUESTION IS NOT ANSWERED ABOVE, WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
If your question is not answered here please email ibi@nibts.hscni.net