NI gay blood donation rules brought into line with rest of UK

Homosexual and bisexual males have been banned from giving blood in any respect in Northern Eire following the emergence of Aids within the 1980s, till the ban was lifted in 2016 by the well being minister at the moment, Michelle O’Neill.

As issues stand, males who’ve intercourse with different males can donate blood in Northern Eire after a so-called ‘deferral’ interval of 1 12 months.

However that is in distinction with England, Scotland and Wales, the place the deferral interval was decreased to a few months in November 2017.

Now, Well being Minister Robin Swann has introduced Northern Eire will probably be introduced into line with the remainder of the UK on June 1.

“My choice relies solely on the proof relating to the protection of donated blood,” Mr Swann stated.

“Any certainly one of us could require a blood transfusion sooner or later and we should be assured that the blood we obtain is secure. As minister for well being it’s of utmost significance to me that we keep the protection of blood and I’m assured that the brand new coverage that I’m saying as we speak will try this, whereas permitting extra folks to donate.”

England, Scotland and Wales adopted the three-month deferral interval on the again of a report printed in June 2017 by a committee set as much as advise the federal government on blood, tissue and organ donation.

Mr Swann stated his choice to carry Northern Eire into line with the remainder of the UK can be based mostly on the findings of the committee.

“The security of donated blood is dependent upon two issues – donor choice and the testing of blood,” he stated.

“Each blood donation is examined for HIV and plenty of different organisms.

“Not even probably the most superior assessments are 100% dependable, so it’s vitally necessary for each donor to adjust to any deferral guidelines that apply to them.”

Mr Swann added: “I’ve instructed the NI Blood Transfusion Service accordingly. To permit sufficient preparation time the brand new coverage will come into impact on June 1.”

Alliance well being spokesperson Paula Bradshaw welcomed the transfer, saying: ““The professional recommendation had been clear for years, and it shouldn’t have taken us so lengthy to achieve this stage. That is excellent news for the well being service as a result of the alignment of blood donation preparations will make administration of donation easier.”