BLOOD TRANSFUSION FOR MEMBERS OF HM ARMED FORCES

Motion Text

That this House believes, in accordance with the Military Covenant, that HM Armed Forces deserve the best available healthcare at all times; notes that in January 2008, 18 injured UK soldiers were given US blood that had not been properly screened during life-saving transfusions; further notes that pathogen inactivation technology would have prevented such a risk and destroyed most blood-borne viruses such as HIV, HBV, Hepatitis B and C, SARs, avian influenza and others; further notes that it is already tried and tested, and is in use around the world; considers that such technology would be a more economic and safer option for the NHS and military blood supply chain services; and therefore calls on those responsible for the military blood supply chain to adopt pathogen inactivation.