January 2009 Board Minutes

Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service held on Tuesday 20th January 2009 at 2.00pm in the Boardroom, National Blood Centre, James's Street, Dublin 8.

Present: Ms. Maura McGrath (Chairperson)
Dr. Robert Landers
Mr. Sean Wyse 
Mr. David Lowe 
Ms. Margaret Mullett
Mr. Gerry O'Dwyer
Ms. Jane O'Brien
Mr David Keenan
Dr Margaret Murray
Mr Mark Moran

Apologies: Mr. Cees Van Der Poel
Dr Mary Cahill

Also in attendance: Mr. Andrew Kelly, Chief Executive
Dr. William Murphy, Medical &Scientific Director
Ms Mirenda O'Donovan Secretary to the Board

1. Minutes of the meeting of 16th December 2008 

The minutes of the meeting of the Board of 16th December 2008 were agreed subject to amendment and were proposed by Ms Margaret Mullett and seconded by Mr Dave Keenan.

2. Matters arising
It was agreed that matters arising would be dealt with under the Chief Executive's Report.

3. Chief Executive's Report 
Blood supply
The blood supply was very strong over Christmas/New Year and there were no difficulties in meeting hospital demand. However issues were 9% higher than expected and that trend has continued into January, while donations have remained static. There has also been an issue with the supply of O negative blood, but measures have been taken to address this.

Quality 
The IBTS has responded to the IMB on its NBC & MRTC inspection reports. The response will be on the agenda at the next Audit & Compliance Committee meeting.

HR Issues 
Laboratory Review 
The new arrangements are working well, however there continues to be some issues to be worked through in Components. The Heads of Processing and Testing have been appointed.

Donation Process Review 
Implementation of Phase II commences in the Tuam Clinic on 9th March.

Director of Finance
The new Director of Finance has taken up post.

Finance
There was a 10.4% increase in platelets issued in 2008 over budget, while red cells were in line with budget.

Pension Scheme
There is a vacancy on the Trustees of the Pension Scheme since the departure of the previous Director of Finance. It was agreed that the HR Director would be appointed to the Board of Trustees. The actuary of the scheme is required to return certain documentation to the Pensions Board by 31st January. It was agreed that the Trustees of the Scheme must meet staff to brief them on the current status of the scheme as a matter of urgency.

It was agreed that the Finance Committee could seek independent advice on the pension scheme.

vCJD
The likelihood of a test for vCJD receiving a CE mark in 2009 is now quite possible. There will be a presentation at the February meeting by Dr O'Riordan on the status of the test under development and the likely impact if it were to be introduced.

Update of Bank Mandate
The Board approved the list of nominees as cheque signatories and the Chairperson signed the relevant documentation.

4. Presentation by the Chief Executive on a review of 2008
The Chief Executive gave a presentation to the Board on an overview of IBTS activity in 2008. The Board thanked the Chief Executive for his detailed and informative presentation.

5. Presentation by the Medical & Scientific Director on Prion Filtration
The Medical & Scientific Director gave a presentation to the Board on the implications of introducing prion filtration. It was agreed that the MSD could approach the Chief Medical Officer of the DOH&C to discuss some of the issues and concerns raised, such as the need for a National Advisory Committee on vCJD. It was also agreed that it would be timely to organise a workshop on vCJD, inviting some international experts to participate.

6. Research & Development in the IBTS: Strategic Options

7. Minutes of the MAC Meeting - 18th November 2008 and revised minutes of 21st October
Both sets of minutes were taken as read.

8. Cork Centre
The CE outlined the approximate timelines for the redevelopment of the Cork Centre. It was agreed that a project manager be appointed. It was suggested that such expertise may be available in the HSE. It was also agreed that an integrated team be appointed to oversee the development. The finance proposal on contingency was also agreed.

9. Date of next meeting
The next meeting of the Board will be on Tuesday 17th February at 2.00pm.