Purpose:
The National Liaison Committee will ensure that Canadians - particularly those who have
an interest in the blood system, contribute to decision making on issues affecting the blood
system. The National Liaison Committee is intended to identify issues, and other ideas,
opinions and concerns from across Canada.
Functions:
- To provide input on the blood system and/or on issues coming before the Board of Directors.
- To ensure that special interests are brought to the attention of the Board.
- To promote communication between CBS and pertinent external organizations.
During the pilot year of the NLC, membership consisted of 22 organizations. Since this time there has been some membership turnover. Three additional organizations were contacted but are not in a position to send a representative, and three new organizations have joined. Currently there are two representatives from each CLC on the NLC. Three additional CLCs are being established in the fall. The current NLC represents a diverse group with diverse interests.
As of January, 2003, there have been four face to face meetings of the NLC, and two teleconferences. The NLC has developed into a cohesive group that is beginning to deal with important issues. The contribution and commitment of the Board, NLC participants and CBS staff were recognized.
New Community Liaison Committees will be launched in Vancouver, Calgary and Halifax, with the first set of meetings taking place in November and December. The criteria for selecting locations include where they will have the biggest impact and how occupied the Centres are with other initiatives. The CLC in Winnipeg will move from an electronic forum to face-to-face forum with its first meeting in November.
Issues likely to be facing the CBS in the future are:
- West Nile Virus
- Streamlining the donor process
- Bacterial detection, the safety issue
- Plasma self-sufficiency, ways to increase collection
- Reaction of screening test for vCJD
- How much safety can CBS afford given that risk has already been reduced significantly?
Confidentiality:
- Unless otherwise advised, the Committee will assume the proceedings are non-confidential.
- Committee members will be governed by a statement of principles still under discussion by the NLC.
Accountability:
- The National Liaison Committee reports through the two Consumer Representative Members of the CBS Board of Directors to the full Board. The Consumer Representatives will present a summary of National Liaison Committee meetings to the full Board of Directors.
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