Instant access to donor histories will soon be possible as the Blood Transfusion Service Board has signed a £1 million contract to upgrade its computer system in the wake of the hepatitis C controversy. It will also improve tracking of blood products.
BTSB national medical director Dr Willie Murphy said the contract was awarded after a thorough evaluation of a number of major international blood services. "We carried out a total review of how the BTSB does its business and identified a number of specific needs to provide a world-class service. A primary need is to establish a totally integrated computer system for our three centres.
"This system will enable us to access instantly donor histories and track blood products from donor to recipient."
The contract for the French-made PROGESA transfusion and blood-banking system has been awarded to the French software company, MAK-System. Work on installing the new technology will begin next month and is due to be completed early next year. It is widely used in the US, Scotland, Spain and Germany. Upgrading the BTSB's computer management capabilities was part of a number of planned improvements, Dr Murphy said. "A great deal of progress has been made on enhancing the internal systems and capability in the BTSB. We are committed to continue working on development of this vital service. The introduction of state of the art information technology is evidence of that commitment."