❓ Mr. Cook questions the lack of blood donation services in regional WA after the closure of Geraldton and Broome blood banks. The Department of Health responds that the Australian Red Cross Blood Service is responsible and has no plans to expand services due to logistical challenges.
AnsweredQoN 8086Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the closure of the Geraldton Red Cross Blood Bank in January 2012, and the earlier closure of the Broome Blood Bank, both due to severe staff shortages. This means that there are no longer any blood bank collection points anywhere north of the Perth metropolitan area in the entire State. In relation to this:
(a) will the Department of Health investigate providing a visiting mobile service to major regional centres, such a Geraldton, Carnarvon, Port Hedland and Broome; and
(i) if not, why not; and
(ii) if so, can the Department advise of the outcome of this investigation; and
(b) will the Department of Health investigate enabling blood donation collection points to be established at major regional hospitals in the Midwest, Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley; and
(i) if not, why not; and
(ii) if so, can the Department advise of the outcome of this investigation?
(a) will the Department of Health investigate providing a visiting mobile service to major regional centres, such a Geraldton, Carnarvon, Port Hedland and Broome; and
(i) if not, why not; and
(ii) if so, can the Department advise of the outcome of this investigation; and
(b) will the Department of Health investigate enabling blood donation collection points to be established at major regional hospitals in the Midwest, Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley; and
(i) if not, why not; and
(ii) if so, can the Department advise of the outcome of this investigation?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
7 August 2012
Responded by
Minister for Health
Response time
56 days
(a) No.
(i) In Australia, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service (Blood Service) is the national entity responsible for the collection and supply of fresh blood components for use in the health system. As part of this, the Blood Service is responsible for developing and implementing a strategy to ensure they can deliver sufficient blood and blood products to meet Australian requirements in a manner that is safe and efficient. The Blood Service is responsible for all operational decisions including those associated with blood collection.
In relation to a visiting mobile service, the Blood Service has advised that it has no current plans to provide a mobile collection service for Geraldton and regions further north, as there are overwhelming logistical factors relating to the transport of staff, equipment and product. A two hour radius from Perthis the operational limit for the Blood Service Donor Mobile. Although it regrets the impact on the regional donor panels, the Blood Service has determined that such a change is not warranted at this time.
The lack of a local donor collection centre does not impact on a WA hospital's ability to receive blood and blood products.
(ii) Not applicable.
(b) No.
(i) The collection of donated blood for contribution to the nation's blood supply is an operational matter for the Blood Service. The Blood Service operates within a strict regulatory framework to ensure the highest standards of safety for donors and patients. To undertake blood collections, the Blood Service is required to obtain a licence from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). These licensing requirements relate to the fabric and operation of any venue used for blood collection.
Although the Blood Service does undertake collections at some regional hospitals throughout Australia, these arrangements are due to historical circumstances. In these situations, it is the Blood Service and its staff who hold the licence to collect donated blood and perform the collection function, not the hospital. There are also significant logistical issues, as all donated blood must be sent to Perthfor processing and testing within 24 hours.
(ii) Not applicable.
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(i) In Australia, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service (Blood Service) is the national entity responsible for the collection and supply of fresh blood components for use in the health system. As part of this, the Blood Service is responsible for developing and implementing a strategy to ensure they can deliver sufficient blood and blood products to meet Australian requirements in a manner that is safe and efficient. The Blood Service is responsible for all operational decisions including those associated with blood collection.
In relation to a visiting mobile service, the Blood Service has advised that it has no current plans to provide a mobile collection service for Geraldton and regions further north, as there are overwhelming logistical factors relating to the transport of staff, equipment and product. A two hour radius from Perthis the operational limit for the Blood Service Donor Mobile. Although it regrets the impact on the regional donor panels, the Blood Service has determined that such a change is not warranted at this time.
The lack of a local donor collection centre does not impact on a WA hospital's ability to receive blood and blood products.
(ii) Not applicable.
(b) No.
(i) The collection of donated blood for contribution to the nation's blood supply is an operational matter for the Blood Service. The Blood Service operates within a strict regulatory framework to ensure the highest standards of safety for donors and patients. To undertake blood collections, the Blood Service is required to obtain a licence from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). These licensing requirements relate to the fabric and operation of any venue used for blood collection.
Although the Blood Service does undertake collections at some regional hospitals throughout Australia, these arrangements are due to historical circumstances. In these situations, it is the Blood Service and its staff who hold the licence to collect donated blood and perform the collection function, not the hospital. There are also significant logistical issues, as all donated blood must be sent to Perthfor processing and testing within 24 hours.
(ii) Not applicable.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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