Author Description

In April 2000 the National Blood Service completed its reorganisation from a regional to a national service, a process that had earlier caused concern among users and employees, and led to a major review of the management in 1997, and the dismissal of the then chairman and chief executive. This report examines donor care, safety of blood used in transfusions, the use of blood, and overall management and efficiency. The basic conclusions are that the Service has greatly improved its management, meeting hospital demands, improving the safety of blood products, improving efficiency. Much still needs to be done in the recruitment and retention of donors and in the care given to donors at every stage. Delays experienced by donors in giving blood are rising, and the lack of effective information technology systems regarding appointments are a major cause, with little improvement likely for another three years.