NBA Board and Report
NBA Board Members (left to right) Chris Brook, Paul Bedbrook, Patti Warn, Gayle Ginnane (chair), George Rubin and Stephen Christley.
Inset: Mary Murnane
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
- 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
Continuing Members
Ms Gayle Ginnane - chair
Mr Paul Bedbrook – former community representative, current financial expert
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
New Member
Patti Warn – community representative
Retiring Member
Mr Ken Barker - financial expert
Board Report for 2013-14
It was satisfying to see the financial results delivered by the NBA in 2013-14 emphasised a strong focus on financial sustainability. As highlighted in our report last year, this was a priority consideration going into the financial year and the NBA has delivered on this objective.
The NBA Board met five times in 2013-14, including our annual meeting with the Blood Service Board in October 2013 which provided an opportunity for Board members of both organisations to meet and talk through key issues. The Board dedicated one meeting to a workshop to support the development of conclusions and recommendations from the Review of Risk Management in the Blood Sector.
Year in Review
In 2013-14, the NBA Board considered and provided advice to the General Manager across the full spectrum of activities undertaken by the NBA. This included advice on the:
- NBA strategic priorities, associated planning and outcome delivery in 2013-14
- NBA risk management process and identified strategic risks
- Development and progression of conclusions and recommendations from the Review of Risk Management in the Blood Sector
- National Blood Sector Education and Training Strategy 2013-16
- NBA 2014 Communication Plan and Priorities
- Strategic direction for clotting factor management, including the entry of long acting factors to the market place
- Development of the sector data and information governance framework
- Impact of new privacy and public accountability legislation.
The Board continued to have a strong interest in the management of risks to the NBA and the wider blood sector. This included involvement in the development and progression of conclusions and recommendations from the Review of Risk Management in the Blood Sector. The Board viewed this work of particular importance because of its urgency and potential material effect on the nature of any new Deed of Agreement with the Red Cross. The Board also provided recommendations in relation to improving the management of key risks associated with infectious diseases and pandemics. The Board notes that the NBA has implemented many of the recommendations.
Another significant area of activity for the Board in 2013-14 was the incorporation of a deliberate programme of stakeholder engagement. The Board engaged with key clinical and patient representatives through a series of presentations and follow-up discussions. This included clinical and patient representatives from the bleeding disorders community and champion clinicians for patient blood management. The programme was highly successful in alerting Board members to challenges facing key stakeholder groups. The Board expects the programme to continue into 2014-15.
2014-15 priorities
Management of risk and financial sustainability will remain important areas of interest for the Board in 2014-15. The NBA has a range of projects that will further strengthen outcomes in these areas. Importantly, I also expect the Board to assist in preparing the organisation to merge with the Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority on 1 July 2015. An important aspect of this change will be to ensure the merger is seamless and does not disrupt programme delivery.
In closing, I thank my fellow Board members for their contribution over 2013-14. I also make special note of the contribution of Ken Barker who departed the Board during the year at the end of his appointment. Ken has been a Board Member since the inception of the NBA, most recently filling the financial expert role. He brought a wealth of experience and wisdom over an extended period which is greatly appreciated. He continues his valuable contribution to the NBA as the Chair of the Audit Committee. It is also my privilege to welcome Patricia (Patti) Warn to the Board as the community representative. Patti joined the Board in August 2013, bringing significant experience. Paul Bedbrook moved from his role as community representative to that of financial expert.
I also wish to note the outstanding effort by the staff and management of the NBA over this year. There has been a very high workload and staff have achieved significant results. It is a great privilege to have such professional staff.
Gayle Ginnane
Chair
National Blood Authority Board