Pre-labelling a time saver for blood transfusions

Problem On the Children’s oncology ward blood transfusions are carried out every day. The administration process for each transfusion has paperwork to be signed and sent to the National Blood Transfusion service but was often left in patient notes and would then have to be requested, found and sent.

Impact When paperwork goes missing it created a lot of unnecessary work and wastes time and resources.

Idea Pre-labelled envelopes are now kept in a plastic holder in the ward utility where prescriptions are prepared. Once a transfusion has been completed staff can place the relevant paperwork straight into the envelope and send it out straight away.

Benefits Since this system has been implemented there have been no requests for missing paperwork. This has improved patient safety as record keeping is accurate and staff have more time to dedicate to other areas of care.

Anna Sweetin, Ward Clerk.