Effective measures are now in place to ensure that blood is safe for transfusions.
That is one of the main findings in a National Audit Office report into the National Blood Service. The report also concludes that, despite the long time taken by the Service since its creation in 1993 to make the transition from a regional to a single national service, there are clear signs that it is now doing so. The report, presented to Parliament today by NAO head Sir John Bourn, does, however, identify a number of areas where the Service could make further changes. There were restrictions in the supply of blood during 1998, and the Service acted promptly to avoid any repetition in the foreseeable future. The Service s performance indicators have, however, a number of weaknesses.