The blood transfusion team at PAHT has been recognised as 9th nationally for patient safety.
The NHS Blood and Transplant informatics team have compiled data from national comparative audits to determine this achievement; which has been made possible thanks to the hard work and commitment of the transfusion department team, particularly over the past 18 months.
This indicates that for patients at PAHT, the transfusion process is among the safest in the country. All aspects of the blood transfusion process were analysed, from sample collection, blood specimen receipt to processing, blood provision and transfusion of blood and blood components.
The blood transfusion team are focused on a high degree of governance and oversight of all transfusion processes, and a comprehensive training programme.
They issue over 9,000 blood and blood components yearly, with approximately 170 per week. They have eight core team members, supported by colleagues across the hospital including laboratory staff, doctors, nurses, midwives, porters and more.
In February, the department also had confirmation of UKAS accreditation for ISO15189:2012, another representation of the high quality standards achieved.
Luke Groves, transfusion laboratory manager, said: “The recognition of this achievement has validated the team’s hard work and determination to provide the safest journey for our patients.
“Thank you to all of the team for your ongoing commitment.”
Fay Gilder, medical director, added: “I am extremely proud of the blood transfusion team for the outstanding service they provide to our patients.
“Patient safety is paramount and this recognition is testament to our patients being at the heart of their service.”