Better Blood Transfusion

The primary role of the Better Blood transfusion (BBT) teams is to help implement actions outlined in the Health Service Circular (HSC) 2007/001 Better Blood Transfusion - Safe and Appropriate Use of Blood. In 2010/11 we worked with hospitals to understand how blood components are used to support long-term planning and improved patient blood management. We also issued publications and offered training in how to use blood more effectively. Blood and Transplant Matters - http://www.blood.co.uk/video-audio-leaflets/publications/

In 2010/11

• We conducted two national surveys in collaboration with the Chief Medical Officer National Blood Transfusion Committee (NBTC): one measured Trust compliance with the HSC; and the other to gain a better understanding of the role of Transfusion Practitioners in hospitals.
  
  
• The National Comparative Audit of Blood Transfusion programme (a collaborative project with the Royal College of Physicians) conducted two national audits: a re-audit of the use of group O Rh D negative red cells; and a re-audit of the use of platelets in haematology patients. The recommendations from these reports will be delivered in 2011/12.
  
  
• The BBT teams have grown NBTC Patient Involvement Working Group activities to get more people involved and better inform patients and the public about transfusion.