Statement from the Chairperson of the IBTS

The Chairperson of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service Ms Maura McGrath, has made the following announcement today (Friday).

The Health Services Reform Programme is currently being implemented and will impact on many agencies commencing in January 2005.  The IBTS is not among the specialist agencies whose functions will be integrated into the Health Service Executive during the first phase of the Reform Programme. 

The Board of the IBTS, with the agreement of the Department of Health & Children appointed Mr. Andrew Kelly as Chief Executive of the IBTS for the duration of the transition period, at the Board meeting this week.

I would like to acknowledge the contribution that Mr. Kelly has made in the past 18 months as Acting Chief Executive and the manner in which he has undertaken his responsibilities.  I wish him every success in this challenging role at a time of significant and continuous change, said Ms McGrath.

ENDS