Other North Island laboratories have stepped in to help Whangarei Hospital run its bloodbank services.
The hospital has lost its blood bank accreditation after two experienced scientists who specialised in bloodbank work recently retired. The remaining laboratory staff at Whangarei Hospital are not trained to provide a continuous service without external support.
International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) told the Northland District Health Board that the accreditation for the board's blood bank had been suspended.
However, patients still have access to a safe and consistent supply of blood and blood products, and there will be no disruptions to patient care or service, the board said.
New Zealand Blood Service is also helping the hospital maintain a full bloodbank service and regain its
accreditation as soon as possible, the board said.
