Damp causes blood donation service to be suspended

Wednesday 17 January 2018

Jersey’s blood donation service is to be temporarily suspended from the beginning of February for up to four months, as it moves to a new location because of "penetrating damp."

The Health Department says the move is necessary to comply with new EU standards, but has promised blood stocks will still be readily available by using supplies from England.

It says decision was taken as the Jersey Blood Transfusion Service (JBTS) was due to be re-licensed by the Minister for Health and Social Services, which takes place every five years - but since EU standards have been updated since the previous re-licensing, the existing location was no longer good enough.

Adrian O’Keeffe, Pathology Manager for the Health and Social Services Department, said: “We are currently working on a plan to improve the Island’s arrangements for blood donation. The current premises have become unsuitable as they are in an older part of the hospital with penetrating damp. The best way for us to handle the move is to stop taking donations for a short period."

The Pathology Manager has moved to reassure islanders who might need blood, as well as the donors, that stock levels will be kept "more than adequate" by sourcing blood supply from England during the time the service is closed.

"Getting our blood supply from the NHS in England is an established route both for specialist blood components and as a back-up plan for emergencies. We expect to be back up and running in the spring, and very much hope that our regular donors will resume their donations in our new home – their commitment is very much appreciated.”