The row between the Irish Blood Transfusion Service and doctors who want a second blood-testing centre to continue operating in Cork worsened yesterday when the IBTS said it was proceeding with plans to centralise all blood-testing in Dublin .
Yesterday doctors attached to the Southern Health Board, who insist that the blood-testing centre at St Finbarr's Hospital must not be closed and its functions removed to Dublin, as planned by the IBTS, met the Minister for Health and Children.
During the meeting, the doctors outlined to Mr Martin that the Cork centre had provided a vital service for the Munster region over many years, and there was no evidence to suggest that by centralising the bloodtesting service at the National Blood Centre the health or safety of patients would be enhanced. Dr Catherine Molloy, one of the doctors at the meeting, said afterwards there had been a useful discussion and the Minister had promised to consider their views and come back to them.
However, before the meeting, Mr Martin said the IBTS had taken its decision to centralise blood-testing before he took up office and, whatever the ultimate decision was, the medical profession in Munster would have to work with the Blood Service.
It was obvious, Mr Martin added, that relations between the IBTS and the Southern Health Board doctors were not positive, and it would be more helpful if the strained relations were repaired.