NBA Board and Report

National Blood Authority Board

NBA Board Members (left to right) - Paul Bedbrook, Mary Murnane, Ken Barker, Gayle Ginnane (chair), Chris Brook, Stephen Christley and George Rubin.

The NBA Board was established under the National Blood Authority Act 2003 to:

  • participate in consultations about the performance of the NBA’s functions with the Australian Government Minister for Health and Ageing
  • provide advice to the General Manager about the performance of the NBA’s functions
  • liaise with governments, suppliers and other stakeholders about matters relating to the NBA’s functions
  • perform such other functions as specified in a written notice given by the Minister to the Chair.

Board Members

Ms Gayle Ginnane - chair
Mr Ken Barker - financial expert
Mr Paul Bedbrook - community representative
Adjunct Professor Chris Brook PSM - state and territory representative
Dr Stephen Christley - state and territory representative
Ms Mary Murnane - Australian Government representative
Professor George Rubin - public health expert

Board Report for 2012-13

2012-13 was an important milestone for the NBA marking 10 years since the organisation was established. The maturity of the organisation is evident in the significant number and quality of achievements, touching nearly every area of NBA responsibilities.

The NBA Board met four times in 2012-13, including our annual meeting with the Blood Service Board in October 2012 which provided an opportunity for Board members of both organisations to meet and talk through key issues.

Year in Review

In 2012-13, the NBA Board considered and provided advice to the General Manager on a wide range of areas that reflected the comprehensive program of work undertaken by the organisation. This included advice on:

  • NBA Corporate Plan 2013-15
  • NBA strategic priorities, associated operational planning and outcome delivery
  • NBA involvement in the development and implementation of the NSQHS Standard 7 Blood and Blood Products
  • Blood Service risk and contingency management arrangements in light of the activation of the NBSCP activation on 6 July 2012 as a result of the failure of the Blood Service NBMS
  • potential strategic supply risk associated with the use of IVIg to treat Alzheimer’s disease
  • progression of the National Managed Fund (NMF) Action Plan
  • NBA programs to support blood wastage reduction and implementation of PBM
  • strategies to improve research and development in relation to blood and blood products
  • measures to improve IVIg governance
  • implications of the relocation of the South Australia blood manufacturing facility to Melbourne

The Board took a particular interest in the outcomes relating to improving risk and contingency management arrangements as a result of the failure of the Blood Service NBMS. The Board considered this contingency as one of the most serious incidents to have occurred in the blood sector since the establishment of the NBA. As a result, the Board considered and provided detailed advice on measures to strengthen risk management. This included direct discussion with the Blood Service Board and management. The Board is currently satisfied that the completed and planned program of activity has significantly increased the robustness of risk management in this area.

Another significant area of activity for the Board was consideration of the strategic supply risks associated with the use of IVIg to treat Alzheimer’s disease. The Board had confirmed this risk as a significant strategic risk to the sector. The results of a major clinical study in this area were released in May 2013 and the results failed to indicate significant efficacy for the use of IVIg in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. However, if this study had been positive, there could have been significant challenges to the global supply of IVIg.

2013-14 priorities

Financial sustainability remains a significant priority for all governments in 2013-14. As such, I expect the NBA Board will emphasise this aspect in its considerations throughout the next financial year. The NBA has a range of planned outcomes that should further improve value for money, while also ensuring Australia has one of the highest quality blood supply arrangements in the world. We look forward to assisting the General Manager in delivering these important outcomes.

The NBA Board is also keen to increase its interaction with key stakeholders in 2013-14. This will take the form of a comprehensive program of engagement with representatives from all major stakeholders in the sector.

In closing, I take this opportunity to thank my fellow Board members for their contributions over the course of 2012-13. The Board has considered a wide range of issues to which the members have brought their extensive experience and skilled advice.

Gayle Ginnane's Signature

Gayle Ginnane
Chair
National Blood Authority Board