Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
The closing date is 07 May 2026
Transfusion Practitioners (TPs) are experienced, autonomous, regulated healthcare professionals from a range of clinical backgrounds who have chosen to specialise in the complex field of transfusion. They are essential in safeguarding patient safety through promoting and actively implementing evidence-based Patient Blood Management (PBM). Their practice encompasses four key strands: Professional and Clinical Practice, Facilitation of Learning, Leadership and Management, and Research and Innovation.
TPs act as pivotal connectors throughout the entire transfusion process. They apply specialist knowledge and critical thinking in complex situations, mitigate risks, minimise harm, promote patient choice, and uphold national standards. They lead on the investigation of transfusion-related incidents and reactions, disseminating learning, and driving continuous improvement.
Through high‑quality, evidence‑based education, workforce support, and service development, TPs empower healthcare professionals to deliver safe, effective transfusion care and ensure excellence in patient outcomes.
As a Band 6 Deputy Transfusion Practitioner, you will lead and promote safe and effective transfusion practice across Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust (TSDFT), with Trust‑wide responsibility for governance, education, audit, and service improvement in line with national guidance and regulation.
Main duties of the job
* Lead and collaborate with the Senior Specialist Practitioner of Transfusion to ensure Trust‑wide compliance and excellence in transfusion practice, including education, risk management, and clinical governance. Play a pivotal role in promoting the optimal use of blood and blood products and advocating for alternatives to transfusion. Exercise independent professional judgment to implement improvements and influence policy at a Trust‑wide level.
About us
An exciting opportunity has opened for a Deputy Transfusion Practitioner to join the Hospital Transfusion Team at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. This position is ideal for a dynamic, experienced nurse with substantial post‑registration experience in transfusion, leadership in clinical governance, and a track record in service improvement and audit.
Job responsibilities
* Provide expert clinical transfusion advice to clinical and laboratory colleagues, resolving complex issues independently and escalating only when necessary.
* Act as a key point of contact for patients and families, advocating for patient‑centred transfusion care.
* Liaise with external organisations such as NHSBT, MHRA, and SHOT, representing the Trust in regional and national forums. Serve as a senior member of the Hospital Transfusion Committee, leading discussions on service improvement, risk, and compliance.
* Lead investigations into transfusion‑associated serious incidents, reactions, errors, and near misses; develop and implement action plans and make Trust‑wide recommendations for practice improvement. Proactively identify risks in transfusion practice, develop mitigation strategies, and oversee implementation across departments.
* Exercise independent professional judgment in complex clinical scenarios, ensuring compliance with regulatory and professional standards.
* Maintain a visible presence in clinical areas, providing leadership and guidance on safe transfusion practice and fostering collaborative practice.
* Engage with local, regional, and national peer networks to share best practice and promote continuous learning.
* Maintain and oversee patient documentation to NMC standards, review cases of transfusion reactions, plan adjustments to ongoing care, and liaise with NHSBT regarding donor implications.
* Monitor transfusions across the Trust, ensuring accurate traceability and patient safety, and leading on improvements where issues are identified.
* Lead local and national transfusion audits, analysing outcomes and implementing evidence‑based improvements to optimise patient care.
* Develop, review, and implement Trust‑wide transfusion policies, protocols, and guidelines, ensuring compliance with national standards and regulatory requirements.
* Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including the Blood Bank, to enhance transfusion practice, clinical governance, and documentation standards.
* Contribute to national research and quality improvement initiatives, leading projects that influence clinical practice and service delivery.
* Maintain and develop personal theoretical knowledge, high standards of clinical competence and professional development through ongoing self‑education and attendance at relevant courses.
* Prepare reports for the Hospital Transfusion Committee and other governance groups, highlighting risks, audit findings, and improvement actions.
* Support the team in resolving technical issues with transfusion‑related hardware or software, leading validation or change implementation where required.
* Maintain and oversee training records, transfusion data, and documentation systems, ensuring data integrity and regulatory compliance.
* Design and manage a series of local audits of practice in clinical areas in line with safe transfusion practice guidelines and, with support from the Senior Specialist Practitioner of Transfusion, implement mitigation actions where appropriate.
* Act as the main point of contact for national transfusion audits and research relating to the administration of blood components and products.
* Ensure the safe use of expensive or highly complex equipment such as BloodTrack equipment, blood fridges, computers in many clinical and non‑clinical areas, barcode label printers, scanners, VR equipment, rapid blood infusion devices, and blood warmers (dependant on registration).
* Ensure the safe use of equipment outside the transfusion scope, such as equipment on wards, display boards, and banner stands.
* Exercise autonomy in clinical decision‑making and service improvement initiatives, working within professional guidelines and codes of practice.
* Maintain own professional portfolio for revalidation and remain up‑to‑date with transfusion‑related issues through conferences, training, and professional networks.
* Possess the physical skills required to fulfil the job duties, including hand‑eye coordination, sensory skills, dexterity and manipulation for venepuncture, cannulation, and venous access care.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
* NMC Registered Nurse/HCPC Reg BMS
* Evidence of Post‑Reg Education
* oBBTS Clinical Transfusion practice or equivalent
* oQuality improvement training
* oPost‑graduate education to or equivalent
Knowledge and Experience
* oHighly developed knowledge of clinical blood transfusion
* oAt least two years post‑registration experience plus sufficient additional experience to have clinical credibility
* oExperience of teaching and supporting colleagues and/or students with learning
* oExperience in root cause analysis and management of serious incidents
Specific skills
* oAble to demonstrate advanced communication skills and manage complex situations
* oAbility to organise and prioritise workload
* oAbility to work autonomously and as part of a team
* oAbility to plan strategically and to exercise sound judgement when faced with conflicting pressures.
* oAbility to design and deliver education programmes.
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.
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
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