Hansard

NHS Blood and Transplant

Volume 529: debated on Tuesday 7 June 2011

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Annette Brooke
(Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD)

10. What recent representations he has received on the future of NHS Blood and Transplant; and if he will make a statement. (57821)

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health
(Anne Milton)

Since February 2011, we have received about 60 representations on the future of NHS Blood and Transplant, including from MPs, Unison and the public. Representations continue to come in. I am happy to meet the hon. Lady if she would like. I should make it clear that the current review is not considering the sale of any part of NHSBT.

Annette Brooke

I wonder whether the Minister can give further assurances to address the great concern that voluntary donations of blood and organs might be put at risk if it is perceived that profits are being made in any part of the operation.

Anne Milton

My hon. Friend is right. The altruistic donor system is one of the rocks on which the NHS is built, and we will do nothing to jeopardise public confidence in it. I am alarmed at some of the scare stories that have been circulating. They serve nobody any good, least of all those who need the necessary donations that are made.