On Thursday 29 February 2024, the 'mad cow' (vCJD disease) blood donation criteria restriction in New Zealand was lifted and the Farrow Jamieson Auckland team marked the occasion with by a visit to NZ Blood Service. After 24 years, the restrictions previously applied to those who lived in the UK, France, or the Republic of Ireland for at least six months between 1980 and 1996.
Senior Consultant, Rhys Holding has been a committed to donor of plasma for many years, but until Thursday, most of the team were unable to donate.
NZBS chief executive Samantha Cliffe said the removal of the ban was a really important step that had been planned for a number of years.