Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson apologises for incident involving Red Cross blood donation worker

A Red Cross worker trying to recruit blood donors at VicPol HQ was “deeply upset” by a comment made by Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson.

Victorian Police Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson has apologised over an incident which left a Red Cross blood donation worker deeply upset. Picture: Ian Currie

One of the state’s top police officers has apologised over an incident that “deeply upset” a Red Cross blood donation worker.

Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson spoke briefly to the woman, who was in a cafe area at Victoria Police headquarters in Spencer St this week.

Mr Paterson, who is gay, said he told her he did not agree with the organisation’s donor policy, which excludes gay men from donating blood.

The Herald Sun has been told the woman, who had been at headquarters to recruit ­donors, was deeply upset after dealing with Mr Paterson.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is believed to have later contacted Victoria Police over what happened.

Mr Paterson said he was approached and asked to donate by the representative while in a coffee line at the cafe.

“In response, I made a comment to the Red Cross representative that I did not agree with their donor policy,” Mr Paterson said.

A Red Cross worker who was at Victoria Police HQ to recruit donors, was deeply upset after dealing with Mr Paterson.

“As a proud gay man, I find it upsetting that I cannot give blood, something I did before coming out as gay.”

Mr Paterson said the policy felt discriminatory when all he and other gay men wanted to do was help save lives.

“I simply stated my view on their policy, but I apologise if I upset her,” Mr Paterson said.

“That was not my intention and there was no indication at the time that she was impacted by my comment.”

Mr Paterson is a vastly experienced officer with more than 30 years’ experience and was appointed a deputy commissioner in 2020.

He was awarded the Australia Police Medal in 2017.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is looking at what changes it can make to allow more gay and bisexual men to donate. Advocates say the policy stigmatises gay men and that the abstinence rule could be replaced by an individual risk assessment system.

They say donors could be screened on their sexual activity to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

Police and other emergency services have a strong relationship with the Red Cross.