Transfusion nurse wins national award for only second time

Anne Davidson from NHS Blood and Transplant has been awarded the 'Mollison Award - Rewarding Innovation' by the British Blood Transfusion Society (BBTS).

She is only the second nurse to ever receive this award.

This award is open to BBTS members based in the UK who have made a significant contribution to the practice of clinical transfusion medicine during their career.

Anne's story

Anne, 57, who is based at NHSBT Barnsley, is a passionate advocate of the role nurses can play in transfusion, especially in light of the Infected Blood Inquiry.

She is the Education Lead for NHSBT’s Patient Blood Management Team, which works with hospitals to support them in optimising the care of patients requiring transfusion and promoting alternatives such as the management and prevention of anaemia. She's also a keen cook and baker.

Her journey has spanned more than 3 decades — from renal wards and transplant units to joining NHS Blood and Transplant in 2011 then becoming education lead in 2017.

Anne worked on clinical and patient resources for the convalescent plasma research team during the pandemic. She worked on the development of the Blood Assist mobile and web-based app, which has won plaudits both nationally and internationally. She led on the successful development of the Blood Transfusion Training e-learning programme, at short notice and under pressure while still maintaining safety standards. Anne also worked with her team on taking the Non Medical Authorisation of Blood Components course online, so it became accessible around the country.

Anne Davidson said:

"Receiving the Mollison Award is a great honour, and being recognised by my peers across the transfusion world is incredibly humbling. I’m lucky to work with an amazing team – none of this would have been possible without their support. I hope this award shows that our work is making a difference for patients."

She added: "Transfusion is a multidisciplinary specialty, but I don't feel the role and value of nurses has always been fully appreciated. It is a specialty that has traditionally been very scientific and medically focused, and the role of nurses in ensuring safe and appropriate transfusion underestimated. This award demonstrates how this is changing.

"Nurses have a unique role as advocates for patients. We are often the professionals who spends the greatest amount of time with them. Therefore, we often have a unique insight into what patients really want and a pragmatic approach to how this can be achieved. It is essential that our perspective and contribution is sought and appreciated when developing guidance and policy.

"The Infected Blood Inquiry has brought into stark focus the need for transfusion education for all healthcare professionals. This education should encompass Patient Blood Management as a whole. The single most important part of this approach is shared decision making with the patients - nurses are in a unique position to facilitate this."

Anne is known for her sharp clinical knowledge, thoughtful leadership, and her ability to bring people together

Dee Thiruchelvam, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Blood and Transplant, said:

"Anne has helped shape national transfusion training. She has led on projects that support clinical teams, developed eLearning courses used in hospitals across the UK, and played a key role in ensuring safe blood use through the pandemic.

"When COVID-19 changed how we worked, Anne quickly adapted vital training into digital formats. Anne is known for her sharp clinical knowledge, thoughtful leadership, and her ability to bring people together."

Press release notes

This award is given by the BBTS in recognition of the outstanding contribution made to clinical transfusion medicine by Professor Patrick Mollison during his career. The award will be presented at the annual BBTS conference in October.