Department of Health

Blood and blood products

Key messages

  • The National Blood Authority (NBA) is an independent statutory agency.
  • The NBA works with stakeholders to support the purchase, production and supply of blood and blood products.
  • Funding of the blood sector is on a cost-shared basis between the Commonwealth and Australia's states and territories.
  • The Statement of national stewardship expectations for the supply of blood and blood products sets out criteria for the appropriate handling of blood products.
  • Victoria funds and works with the NBA to deliver local blood supply systems.

The National Blood Authority (NBA) is an independent statutory agency established under the National Blood Authority Act 2003. The operations of the NBA are set out in the National Blood Agreement.

The NBA works with key stakeholders in the blood sector to provide national purchasing, production and supply planning services that deliver blood and blood products to all Australian jurisdictions.

Funding of the blood sector is provided on a cost-shared basis between the Commonwealth (63 per cent) and the states and territories (37 per cent).

Statement of expectations

Australian health ministers endorsed the Statement on national stewardship expectations for the supply of blood and blood products (‘the statement’) in 2010.

Stewardship, in this context, means responsible, sustainable and appropriate use of blood and blood products. The statement sets out expectations for those ordering and receiving blood products, such as hospitals, laboratories and prescribing doctors.

Victoria

Victoria provides funding to and works with the National Blood Authority to deliver a blood supply system that is responsive to patient needs, built on evidence-based clinical practice and ensures Victoria’s blood supply is safe, secure, adequate and affordable.

Reviewed 11 September 2023

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