18th November 2008 - Board Minutes

Minutes of the Meeting of theBoardof the Irish Blood Transfusion Service held onTuesday 18th November 2008at2.00pmin theBoardroom, National Blood Centre, James’s Street,Dublin8.

Present:                                 Ms.Maura McGrath(Chairperson)

Dr. Mary Cahill

Dr. Robert Landers

Mr.Sean Wyse

                                                Mr. David Lowe

Dr.Cees Van Der Poel

Ms.Margaret Mullett

Mr. Gerry O’Dwyer

Ms. Jane O’Brien

Dr. Margaret Murray

Apologies:                              Mr.Mark Moran

Mr. David Keenan

Also in attendance:               Mr. Andrew Kelly, Chief Executive

Dr. William Murphy, Medical &Scientific Director

Ms Mirenda O’Donovan Secretary to theBoard

1.                 Minutes of the meeting of 20^th October 2008

The minutes of the meeting of the Board of 20th October 2008were agreed subject to amendment and were proposed by Mr Gerry O’Dwyer and seconded by Dr Mary Cahill. It was also agreed that Mr David Lowe would update Mr Mark Moran and Ms Jane O’Brien would update Mr Dave Keenan.

2.                 Matters Arising

St James’s Hospital

No further developments.  It was agreed that the Chairperson would write to the Chairperson of SJH Board to discuss the matter.

MercyUniversityHospital

There are some issues still outstanding regarding the electronic transfer of blood from MUH to CUH.  The establishment of a blood transfusion laboratory at MUH is proceeding.

PAC

It was noted that the CE had appeared before the Public Accounts Committee regarding the discontinuation of the eProgesa project.

Medical Manpower Plan

The CE and the M&SD are progressing this.

Donation Process Review

HR had received a letter from the unions accepting the Labour Courtrecommendations. Planning and training for the full implementation of Phase 2 has commenced.

3.                 Chief Executive’s Report

Blood Supply

There had been some difficulties around the bank holiday weekend with specific blood groups, O negative and A positive.  A national campaign was launched to improve supply and current donation levels are very good.

IMB Inspections

The IMB is currently carrying out an inspection in the NBC and will be in the MRTC next week.

Laboratory Review

The extension of the working day from 7 to 7 is ongoing.  There are some issues regarding secondary processing, but these are being resolved by the EMT. This has resulted in additional hours being worked. However, the situation is being monitored on a daily basis.

Donation Process Review

Phase 1 is fully implemented and elements of Phase 2 have commenced.

Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee, consisting of the Chairperson, Mr Mark Moran and Mr Sean Wyse is due to meet shortly to look at the CE’s strategic goals for 2009.

Brand/Profile of the IBTS

The Chairperson’s sub-group has had an initial meeting with the advertising agency.

Balanced Scorecard

The CE made a presentation on his balanced scorecard.  The Board thanked him for his detailed and informative presentation.

4.                 Presentation by the Director of Finance on Budget 2009

The Director of Finance made a detailed presentation on the Budget proposed for 2009. The Board approved the 2009 budget.  The Board and the Chairperson of the Finance Committee thanked the Director of Finance and her team for their work in preparing the budget. However, the Board emphasised the need for all costs to be evaluated and reduction measures put in place. The Board also thanked the Finance Director for her contribution to the organisation over the years and wished her well in her new post.

5.                 Minutes of MAC meeting– 23^rd September 2008

A formal tender document template is to be completed regarding Cryo/Fibrinogen for the Haemophilia Product Selection and Monitoring Advisory Board. 

Two 5 credit NHO modules at DCU have been replaced by three 10 credit modules.  The future of the IBTS policy on blood pressure and pulse checking in donors was discussed. 

The Board agreed that the CE would carry out an analysis of the existing representative processes in place for the consultants.

7.                   Audit & Compliance Committee– 9^th September 2008

A new external member has joined the Audit & Compliance Committee from private industry.  The Director of Quality & Compliance gave a briefing session on Quality to the Committee.

8.                   CorkCentre

No further developments at this time.

9.                   Correspondence

Noted.

10.               Date of next meeting

The next meeting of the Board will be on Tuesday 16^th December 2008at2pmat the National Blood Centre.

Signed:__________________                        Date:________________