Australian Health Ministers’ Conference Statement on National Stewardship Expectations for the Supply of Blood and Blood Products

The Australian Health Ministers’ Conference (AHMC) has determined that a clear statement is needed on governments’ stewardship expectations for the providers of blood and blood products within the health sector.

Stewardship, in this context, means responsible, sustainable and appropriate use of blood and blood products.

Blood and blood products are provided under the National Blood Agreement 2003 to which all Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments are signatories. Achieving a blood supply that can meet the growing needs of an ageing population at an affordable cost requires the commitment from blood donors to be matched by an equal commitment from other parties in the supply chain.

All governments are committed to:

• Providing an adequate, safe, secure and affordable supply of blood products, blood related products and blood related services; and
• Promoting safe, high quality management and use of blood products, blood related products and blood related services in Australia.

A key component of the blood sector and one which plays an invaluable part is that of the health providers of blood and blood products. Hospitals, doctors, laboratories and other health providers serve a vital role in ensuring these key resources reach the patients in need.

In fulfilling this role, Ministers expect that these health providers will contribute to the sustainability of the blood supply by adopting these stewardship measures for their own organisation and requiring their adoption by any other party to whom they supply blood.

Blood Stewardship Principles

Blood should be managed in ways that ensure:

• All blood products are used in a clinically appropriate manner in accord with relevant professional guidelines and standards
• Informed patient consent procedures are implemented for all patients
• Processes, programs and facilities are in place to minimise the wastage of blood products
• Facilities are accredited with the appropriate bodies to meet all quality and safety obligations
• Transfusion-related adverse event information is collected and managed according to jurisdictional requirements.

National blood product planning, management and governance are supported by:

• Health providers having an ordering and receipt verification process in place which provides adequate financial accountability as required by governments
• Inventory data is provided on a regular and timely basis to assist in supply and demand planning, especially in times of national shortages.

Governments and the National Blood Authority will continue to manage the Australian blood supply to meet the needs of the community. Health providers play a vital role in making sure that products are available to meet clinical need, when and where required. The contribution of these health providers to safe and appropriate use, including minimisation of cost and wastage in the supply, is equally important. Ministers look to health providers to increase their efforts in these areas to ensure that Australia has a sustainable and affordable blood supply into the future.

Statement Approved by the Australian Health Ministers’ Conference, 12 November 2010.