UK Department of Health announces results of Arm's Length Body Review

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 26 Jul 2004 - 11:00 PDT

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The UK Department of Health today announced the findings of the Arm's Length Body Review. As part of this review, Ministers have proposed that a new organisation be created to encompass the current work of the National Blood Service (NBS) and UK Transplant. The NBS welcomes the results of the ALB review.

Over the next few months, both the NBA and UKT will be working together with the Department of Health to develop a plan to create the new national Blood and Transplant Authority (BaTA). The finalised and detailed implementation plan will be produced in October. In addition, and in line with this review, the NBS will continue to seek out opportunities to maximise efficiency.

The NBA will be working closely with the Department of Health to explore the opportunities presented through becoming a public benefit corporation.

Although we have no further detailed information at present the Chief Executives and Boards of both organisations are acutely aware of the importance of the services that both organisations provide to patients in the NHS. As such the organisations will be working to ensure that this significant, and in some cases unique, contribution is not compromised in any way.

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Notes for Editors

-- The National Blood Service (NBS) is responsible for collecting, processing, testing and issuing blood in England and north Wales.

-- Arm's Length Bodies, or ALBs, are generally national bodies that report directly into the Department of Health and carry out national functions. As a Special Health Authority within the NHS, the NBS is also classed as an ALB.

-- This review covers more than 42 ALBs (from the Commission for Health Improvement to the NHS Pensions Agency), employing more than 25,000 staff with a combined budget of £4.8 billion. These ALBs conduct a range of varied tasks within the NHS. Some, like the NBS deliver a core product or service whilst others provide a variety of services relevant to the smooth running of the NHS.

-- For media information please contact the NBS press pager on 07693 237 325.

National Blood Service, UK

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