A pilot scheme is being trialled at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH) by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), in partnership with three hospitals in the country.
Using electronic blood tracking systems already in place in some hospitals the pilot will allow NHSBT to test a new way of working which may:
• Enable NHSBT to monitor hospital stock levels on a live basis and provide automatic optimum top-up deliveries of blood and blood products – ensuring there is always enough to meet patients’ needs.
• Enable NHSBT to send an automatic delivery note with all details of the blood stocks being supplied to the RBH, reducing paperwork for hospital staff.
• Lower hospital costs associated with unnecessary deliveries or outdating of blood and blood products, by improving stock control.
• Streamline the donor to patient process with full electronic blood tracking for the first time.
Commenting on the project, Lynda Hamlyn, chief executive at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the RBH. This pilot is intended to demonstrate how two very different NHS organisations, both with the same determination to provide the very best patient care, can work together to improve quality and treatment, while still reducing costs to the NHS.” The pilot is the first step of a key part of NHSBT’s five-year strategy to further improve and modernise the blood service by providing an even better service for donors, patients and the NHS.
