BLOOD TRANSFUSION FOR MEMBERS OF HM ARMED FORCES

That this House believes, in accordance with the Military Covenant, that HM Armed Forces deserve the best available healthcare at all times; notes that in January 2008, 18 injured UK soldiers were given US blood that had not been properly screened during life-saving transfusions; further notes that pathogen inactivation technology would have prevented such a risk and destroyed most blood-borne viruses such as HIV, HBV, Hepatitis B and C, SARs, avian influenza and others; further notes that it is already tried and tested, and is in use around the world; considers that such technology would be a more economic and safer option for the NHS and military blood supply chain services; and therefore calls on those responsible for the military blood supply chain to adopt pathogen inactivation.