Transfusion Practitioner (XR07)

NHS; Leeds; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the UK is seeking a Transfusion Practitioner to lead the development of transfusion guidelines, educate hospital staff, and ensure compliance with blood safety regulations. The ideal candidate will be a Registered Nurse or Biomedical Scientist with significant transfusion experience and a strong commitment to quality patient care.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in transfusion practice.
• Registered Nurse or Registered Bio‑Medical Scientist.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver specialist guidelines for transfusion.
• Lead education and training for hospital staff.
• Advise staff on transfusion issues.

Skills

Registered Nurse (NMC)

Registered Bio‑Medical Scientist (HCPC)

Teaching/assessing qualification

Experience at senior staff nurse/junior sister level

Experience of transfusion practice

Strong influencing and negotiation skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team

Knowledge of healthcare legislation

Education

First level degree or equivalent experience

MSc for BMS Practitioners

Job description

Transfusion Practitioner

As a member of the Hospital Transfusion Team, the Transfusion Practitioner will have a key role in leading the development and dissemination of specialist evidence‑based national and local transfusion guidelines and policies, monitoring progress in line with NICE Guidance NG24 and QS138. The role ensures the Trust complies with blood safety and quality regulations (2005/50) and participates in the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency inspection process.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver specialist guidelines, educational and training programmes for hospital staff covering all aspects of blood and blood product transfusion.
• Lead education and training for all staff involved in the transfusion process, arranging local sessions for peripheral sites and accommodating all shift systems.
• Provide an advisory service during normal working hours to any member of staff and take the lead in investigating all transfusion‑related incidents and complaints.
• Attend local, regional and national meetings relevant to clinical governance and risk management, providing reports to committees where necessary.
• Lead in preparing and consulting on guidelines and ensuring their implementation across all specialties.
• Lead in auditing transfusion practice in all clinical areas as part of local and national audit projects.
• Act as a resource for advice, support and guidance to clinical and other staff, patients and the public.
• Produce, analyse and present reports related to blood and blood product use, linking with the Trust risk management and clinical governance agendas.
• Supervise and maintain accurate records of blood and blood product use using national and Trust documentation.
• Ensure data on blood and blood product transfusion use is fully recorded in the clinical record.
• Act in a way that safeguards the health and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults at all times, familiar with LTHT safeguarding policies.
• Raise concerns about risk, danger, malpractice or wrongdoing following the LTHT Whistleblowing policy.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Registered Nurse (NMC) or Registered Bio‑Medical Scientist (HCPC) with a first level degree or equivalent experience. For BMS Practitioners, an MSc or significant post‑registration experience is essential.
• Recognised teaching/assessing qualification (desirable).
• Significant experience at senior staff nurse/junior sister level (Nursing) or specialist BMS level (BMS).
• Evidence of ongoing professional development, including postgraduate training.
• Knowledge of risk management systems, clinical audit and standard setting.
• Experience of transfusion practice in a laboratory (BMS) or clinical environment (nursing).
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication, teaching and facilitation skills.
• Capability to work as an effective member of the multidisciplinary team and to apply lateral thinking.
• Knowledge of current issues in healthcare, standards of professional practice, transfusion practice guidance and legislation.
• Personal attributes: excellent interpersonal skills, innovation, motivation, assertiveness, flexibility.
• Professional autonomy, ability to make independent decisions, and comply with NHS and Trust policies on safeguarding, whistleblowing and occupational health.

Values and Behaviours (Leeds Way)

• Patient‑centred, collaborative, fair, accountable, empowered.
• Commitment to delivering high‑quality evidence‑based advice, collaborating with multi‑disciplinary teams, influencing a high standard of patient care and safety in relation to transfusion.
• Commitment to innovation and motivation, encouraging a positive and creative working environment.
• Commitment to own development and the development of Trust staff.

Core Behaviours & Skills

• Advise clinical teams on transfusion practice.
• Lead the investigation of transfusion incidents and near misses.
• Collaborate across disciplines; manage challenging & sensitive situations.
• Teach, communicate and present evidence‑based practice.
• Administer audits, root cause analysis and implement system improvements.
• Maintain professional standards and regulatory compliance.