Notice Type
Departmental
Appointment of New Zealand Blood Service Limited to be Responsible for the Performance of Certain Functions in Relation to Blood and Controlled Human Substances Pursuant to section 92h of the Health Act 1956 (as inserted by section 3 of the Health Amendment Act 1998) I appoint the New Zealand Blood Service Limited to be responsible for the performance of the functions in relation to blood and controlled human substances specified in the First Schedule of this appointment. This appointment is subject to terms and conditions specified in the Second Schedule of this appointment. Dated at Wellington this 2nd day of July 1998. SIMON WILLIAM ENGLISH, Minister of Health. First Schedule Functions in Relation to Blood and Controlled Human Substances the Performance of Which shall be the Responsibility of the New Zealand Blood Service Limited This appointment applies to: (a) Blood as defined in section 92a of the Health Act 1956 (as inserted by section 3 of the Health Amendment Act 1998); and (b) Controlled human substances as defined in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of paragraph (a) of the definition of controlled human substances in section 92a of that Act (as so inserted). It is noted that there is provision for substances to be declared by Order in Council to be included in the definition of controlled human substance (pursuant to subparagraph (iii) of paragraph (a) of that definition, as so inserted). Where substances are declared in this manner, there is provision in section 92h of the Health Act 1956 (as so inserted) to amend this appointment to include such substances within the scope of this appointment. It is also noted that section 92c (5) of the Health Act 1956 (as so inserted) requires appointed entities, and their employees or agents, who take blood or controlled human substances to give due recognition to the fact that the blood or controlled human substance has been donated. The functions that the New Zealand Blood Service Limited shall be responsible for are: [ix]To collect donated blood and controlled human substances. [ix]To process donated blood and controlled human substances. [ix]To test donated blood and controlled human substances in accordance with contemporary standards so as to determine their fitness for therapeutic use. [ix]To store donated blood and controlled human substances. [ix]To ensure efficient banking and cross-matching systems are operated for blood and controlled human substances. [ix]To provide blood and controlled human substances to such health care providers that may lawfully administer or arrange for the administration of blood and controlled human substances to consumers. For the avoidance of doubt, it is declared that the responsibility of the New Zealand Blood Service Limited for the above functions does not extend to where blood and controlled human substances are taken from its control, or from a blood bank operated by one of its agents, for administration to a consumer. Nothing in this appointment prevents the New Zealand Blood Service Limited from making arrangements with health providers in respect of services related to blood or controlled human substances taken for the purpose of autologous transfusion. Second Schedule Terms and Conditions of this Appointment [ix]While carrying out the functions for which it is responsible, as specified in the First Schedule of this appointment, the New Zealand Blood Service Limited shall ensure those functions are carried out safely and to a level of high quality, and shall take all reasonable precautions with a view to ensuring that the blood and controlled human substances are safe for use, and are of a high quality for use. [ix]The New Zealand Blood Service Limited shall ensure that its authorised agents, its employees and the employees of its agents, have appropriate skills and expertise and use those skills and that expertise when carrying out the functions for which it is responsible under this appointment. [ix]The New Zealand Blood Service Limited shall ensure that high quality systems are in place to efficiently monitor and trace the blood and controlled human substances. [ix]The New Zealand Blood Service shall strive for efficiency in carrying out the functions for which it is responsible under this appointment, without compromising quality or safety. [ix]The New Zealand Blood Service Limited shall consult with the Ministry of Health on issues having, or likely to have, substantial effects on consumers, on the blood system, or on the ability of the New Zealand Blood Service Limited to carry out its function under this appointment or to comply with these terms and conditions. Where the likelihood of such issues is foreseen by the New Zealand Blood Service Limited, or where the issues come to the attention of New Zealand Blood Service Limited, the consultation shall be as soon as reasonably practicable afterward. [ix]The New Zealand Blood Service Limited shall continue to develop relationships with interested parties and consumer groups to facilitate communication, co-operation, and community appreciation of the services it provides or arranges. [ix]The New Zealand Blood Service Limited shall ensure that it keeps up with developments and new technologies that relate to the services it provides and arranges for the purpose of its functions under this appointment, and that it fully considers introduction of these developments and technologies.
Publication Date
16 Jul 1998

Notice Number

1998-go4970

Page Number

2144