Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is taking steps to review the lifetime ban on blood donations by men who have had sex with men in light of the recommendations in the report by Weinberg and Gilmore in the Canadian Medical Association Journal and the reduction in such restrictions in Argentina, Australia and Japan. (S3W-34014)

Shona Robison: The Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs for Transplantation (SaBTO) advises the UK Health Departments on issues relating to the safety of blood, cells, tissues and organs for transfusion/transplantation. In July 2009, as part of its undertaking to continually consider exclusion and deferral criteria for blood donation, SaBTO commissioned a review of current policies. This will look at scientific advances as well as up-to-date evidence and data to ensure that donor selection criteria, including deferral criteria, are in place for justifiable reasons. UK Health Departments welcome this review. However, the ultimate aim, must be to maintain the highest levels of blood safety for patients at all times.

SaBTO is due to complete this review later in 2010, at which time the, Scottish Government, along with the other UK Health Departments, will consider its report and the need for any changes to current practice.

More information on the review and SaBTO's work can be found on its website.