Nursing in NHS Blood and Transplant: an overview

This is the first in a series of articles, written by nurses employed by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), discussing the purpose and objectives of the organisation, which is responsible for a wide range of blood and transplantation services, including supporting tissue donation, providing life-saving therapeutic apheresis services and patient blood management. The series will provide insight into the diverse and complex nursing roles within NHSBT, outline some of the major challenges faced by NHSBT, and consider what the future may hold. This first article provides an overview of the divisions within NHSBT, which will be of interest to those health professionals who may not be aware of the intricacies of the organisation.

NHSBT is an ‘arm's-length body’ to the NHS. It is classed as a ‘special health authority’ responsible for saving and improving lives by providing blood and supporting the provision of organs and tissues to the NHS, looking after blood donation services in England and transplant services across the UK. This includes managing the donation, storage and transplantation of blood, organs, tissues, bone marrow and stem cells, and researching new treatments and processes. The organisation's ambition is to ensure that more people receive the organ and tissues they desperately need, that they receive the right blood transfusions at the right time and are given the best specialist support and products to save or improve their lives.