The head of the Blood Transfusion Service in 1985 refused to put an Irish made clotting agent into storage until it had been heat-treated to eliminate HIV. The Lindsay Tribunal heard today that the BTS National Director, Dr Jack O'Riardon, got angry when it was suggested that a safer commercial product only be used.
Dr Helena Daly had clinical responsibility for haemophiliacs in Ireland in mid-1985 when she stepped-in to replace Professor Ian Temperley who was on sabbatical. Dr Daly said that she became extremely concerned to find out that the Pelican House made Factor 9 clotting agent used by a minority of haemophiliacs was not heat treated to eliminate HIV. She held an urgent meeting with Dr O'Riardon to request that all Irish Factor 9 be heat-treated and that only a commercial safe product be used in the interim. The Lindsay Tribunal heard Dr O'Riardon became "quite angry" and refused her request.
Dr Daly was upset and so travelled to London to meet Professor Temperley who informed Pelican House that only heat-treated products would be tolerated after November 1. The Tribunal has already heard that 7 haemophiliacs contracted HIV from Irish made Factor 9 clotting agent, four of whom have died.
Dr Daly said that she also voiced concern at the meeting in Pelican House that the BTS was about to enter into an arrangement with the Travenol-Baxter company for 1986 regarding clotting agents. She said she told Dr O'Riardon that she thought Travenol-Baxter had problems with Hepatitis B but his response was only to say that she was interfering.
The Tribunal also heard stinging criticism of the Department of Health. John McStay, a financial expert hired by the Blood Transfusion, continually blamed the Department for delays in decision-making and allocation of funds. Mr McStay's remarks were contained a statement for the Tribunal, parts of which were read out. Following an order by the Tribunal Chairwoman Judge Alison Lindsay, Mr McStay will testify early next week.
