Job summary
To support the Hospital Transfusion Team in promoting safe, effective and efficient transfusion practice within the trust

Maintain the Trusts strategies alongside the Hospital Transfusion Team

Support the Lead Transfusion Practitioner in the co-ordination of education for nursing, medical and multi-disciplinary staff in the management of patients receiving blood and blood components.

To ensure Trust implementation and maintenance of Health Service Circular 2007/001 Better Blood Transfusion and British Committee for Standards in Haematology guideline in the area of transfusion practice

To investigate the use of alternatives to blood transfusion and where possible assist in the implementation of these throughout the trust.

Provide support to ward staff to maintain and improve the quality of care received by individuals receiving blood and blood components and products

Main duties of the job
To promote the safe use of blood and blood components within the constraints of clinical need and cost
To monitor the appropriate usage of blood and components in association with the blood transfusion laboratory.
To promote evidence-based practice in the prescribing and administration of blood and blood components.
To act as a resource for staff and patients with concerns and queries about blood transfusion and related practice
To act as a role model in the position of Transfusion Practitioner
To act as a point of contact for all PAH staff.
To investigate the use of surgical and medical alternatives to blood and blood components
To investigate clinical incidents relating to transfusion practice and offer support in restructuring protocols to prevent reoccurrence
To facilitate changes necessary for compliance with national standards (NICE, Good Manufacturing Practice, etc.)
Promote active participation of patients and their families / carers in the healthcare process.
Promote the early resolution of issues and complaints.
Ensure that the Trust is compliant with all aspects of Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005 (as amended) and other statutory/mandatory requirements.
Support the Lead Transfusion Practitioner to ensure that all mandatory reports are submitted in a timely manner.
To assist in the provision of an extensive trust wide programme of education in transfusion matters for all staff involved in transfusion practice. (Induction, Updates and Massive Blood Loss)

About us
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.

This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.

Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Details
Date posted: 05 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 9 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 000940
Job locations: The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1QX, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Engage in Blood Link forums: assist with providing updates and resource materials as required.
• Audit aspects of local transfusion practice and adherence to policies and protocols, as directed by the Hospital Transfusion Team.
• To support the Lead Transfusion Practitioner and act as a resource and provide specialist knowledge and expertise in blood transfusion practices within the Trust
• Work with external agencies; Ambulance and Air Ambulance services, Trauma Teams, Hospice and Community Hospitals, NHS Blood and Transplant and other Trusts.
• Attend Regional Transfusion Practitioner meetings
• To promote the safe use of blood and blood components within the constraints of clinical need and cost
• To monitor the appropriate usage of blood and components in association with the blood transfusion laboratory.
• To promote evidence-based practice in the prescribing and administration of blood and blood components.
• To act as a resource for staff and patients with concerns and queries about blood transfusion and related practice
• To act as a role model in the position of Transfusion Practitioner
• To act as a point of contact for all PAH staff.
• To investigate the use of surgical and medical alternatives to blood and blood components
• To investigate clinical incidents relating to transfusion practice and offer support in restructuring protocols to prevent reoccurrence

Managerial

• To work alongside the Lead Transfusion Practitioner in the review and update of Trust policies and procedures in line with clinical guidelines and Hospital Transfusion Committee.
• To liaise between the blood transfusion laboratory and clinical staff, as appropriate
• To assist in the investigation of blood transfusion related adverse incidents and near misses
• To assist in the continued compliance with all legislation relating to blood transfusion in hospital practice
• To assist in facilitating changes necessary for compliance with national standards
• To be a key member of the Hospital Transfusion Team and implement ideas
• To assist in the provision of an extensive trust wide programme of education in transfusion matters for all staff involved in transfusion practice. (Induction, Updates and Massive Blood Loss)
• Engage in Blood Link forums: assist with providing updates and resource materials as required.
• Audit aspects of local transfusion practice and adherence to policies and protocols, as directed by the Hospital Transfusion Team.
• To support the Lead Transfusion Practitioner and act as a resource and provide specialist knowledge and expertise in blood transfusion practices within the Trust
• Work with external agencies; Ambulance and Air Ambulance services, Trauma Teams, Hospice and Community Hospitals, NHS Blood and Transplant and other Trusts.
• Attend Regional Transfusion Practitioner meetings

Compliance

• To facilitate changes necessary for compliance with national standards (NICE, Good Manufacturing Practice, etc.)
• Promote active participation of patients and their families / carers in the healthcare process.
• Promote the early resolution of issues and complaints.
• Ensure that the Trust is compliant with all aspects of Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005 (as amended) and other statutory/mandatory requirements.
• Support the Lead Transfusion Practitioner to ensure that all mandatory reports are submitted in a timely manner.
• Support the Lead Transfusion Practitioner to ensure that the Trust is an active participant in National Comparative Audits of Blood Transfusion
• To assist in auditing of local transfusion practice and adherence to policies and protocols.

This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and the manager. All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Qualified nurse (NMC), operating department practitioner or biomedical scientist (HCPC)
• Recent NHS or equivalent experience in a similar role

Desirable

• Prior experience as a transfusion practitioner

Experience
Essential

• Has knowledge of transfusion practices in the clinical and laboratory setting
• Understanding of local and national requirements relating to transfusion to ensure safe and effective transfusion care
• Understanding of clinical governance
• Able to work across professional and organisational boundaries
• Ability to prioritise and manage various demanding agendas at the same time
• Computer literate

Desirable

• Analytical skills
• Able to problem solve and initiate change
• Skilled negotiator

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details
Employer name: The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
Address: The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1QX, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Lead Matron, Jenny Cunningham, jenny.cunningham4@nhs.net

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.