County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Transfusion Practitioner
The closing date is 16 June 2026
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Band7 Nurse, Biomedical Scientist, Allied Health or Medical associate professional with specialist Transfusion knowledge to join the Transfusion Practitioner team.
The role requires working within an already established team to deliver training and competency assessments in the clinical areas, investigating incidents (patient safety incidents), performing transfusion audits, advising and promoting Good Transfusion Practice within the Trust and developing and reviewing clinical transfusion policies. The objectives of the Transfusion Team are set out, but are not limited to NICE, Blood and Safety Quality Regulations 2005 and Patient Blood Management.
The successful candidate will have a good working knowledge of general Blood transfusion practice and an understanding of the wider transfusion issues in a local and national context.
This role is based at Darlington Memorial Hospital but the TP will be expected to work at UHND once or twice per week and visit other Trust sites at Bishop Auckland, Shotley Bridge, Chester le Street, Richardson, Sedgefield.
We provide outstanding development opportunities and excellent NHS benefits. Durham and Darlington are exciting places to live with vibrant, expanding centres which are close to beautiful countryside. Both benefit from excellent transport links.
Main duties of the job
The successful applicant will directly supervise the Trust Transfusion Practitioner Team (2 assistant staff). In conjunction with the Transfusion team, they will provide specialist advice and support to, and liaising with, other staff. This includes the provision of specialist education, training and competency for other staff. In addition, they will work towards ensuring that transfusion practice within the Trust is in compliance with local policy, national guidelines and national/international law.
The post holder is expected to practice as a Transfusion Specialist as part of both the hospital transfusion team and the hospital transfusion committee. They will promote patient blood management initiatives, including identification of transfusion alternatives, information and consent to blood transfusion in line with NICE recommendations.
Required to undertake research and lead clinical audits in own specialist area.
Job responsibilities
To be considered, interested candidates must be either a state registered nurse, HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist or AHP or Medical Associate with GMC registration. Candidates should have significant postregistration experience, and must have knowledge and experience of the blood transfusion process. Candidates should possess a Masters level (Level 7) qualification in a relevant subject. We are looking for a driven, flexible, self‑motivated individual who has patient safety at the core of their values.
You will be a keen, well organised and motivated individual who is capable of delivering training and education to all levels of staff. This is a challenging post and we are looking to appoint someone who can develop the role and promote positive changes to ensure safe and effective practices across the department.
You must be able to read and fully comprehend Transfusion guidelines and recommendations, perform gap analysis against current practice, formulate actions and develop and review policies, protocols and training material and perform audits to complete the actions.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also essential as is the ability to work within a team processing a high workload of specimens. Experience of HR policies and procedures is an advantage but training and support will be given where needed.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate experience at a minimum Band 6 level (assessed as equivalent at specialist level).
The post will be predominantly based at Darlington Memorial Hospital, with attendance at University Hospital of North Durham and other sites within the Trust as required, to support service requirements.
Person Specification
Statutory Registration
* NMC, HCPC or GMC registration number to be provided on application form
* Registered Nurse with current NMC registration
* OR
* Biomedical Scientist or AHP with current HCPC registration
* OR
* Medical professional with current GMC registration
Experience
* Demonstrable significant post registration experience including experience at Band 6 level
* Experience of the blood transfusion process
* Experience of clinical governance, risk management and clinical audit
* Experience of communicating clearly and precisely both verbally and in writing with all levels of staff both internally and externally
* Experience of working independently and as part of a team
* Experience of supervising and managing staff and using ESR to record
* Knowledge of Cerner Millennium EPR
* Knowledge of Bloodtrack and Bloodtrack Tx
* Knowledge of other digital healthcare systems
* Experience of reviewing national guidelines and legislation against current practice
* Experience of developing clinical guidelines and protocols
Special Skills & Knowledge
* Evidence of developing practice and improving standards
* Proven ability to effectively manage change
* Knowledge of all relevant national and international guidance and legislation
* Ability to use Microsoft Office products
* Ability to critically analyse research findings
* Previous experience of working with:
* SHOT reporting
Qualifications
* Registered Nurse with current NMC registration
* OR
* Biomedical Scientist with a Biomedical Science degree or AHP with current HCPC registration
* OR
* Medical professional with current GMC registration
* MSc or Level 7 qualification in a related, relevant healthcare subject
* Evidence of PREP or CPD
* Teaching / assessor / mentor qualification or relevant experience.
* Evidence of further study within a clinically related subject
* BBTS Certificate
Special Requirements
* Able to travel across all Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post
* Facilitate changes in practice
* Demonstrate a high level of personal and professional autonomy and an understanding of professional accountability
* Function and contribute effectively to Trust wide initiatives
* Flexible, well organized and self‑motivated
* Excellent presentation skills and attention to detail
* The ability to facilitate workshops/forums in a scripted and non‑scripted environment
* To initiate appropriate audit and analyse data to improve the blood transfusion process
* To be able to understand clinical practices and influences that affect transfusion practice and make judgements on clinical incidents and changes to practice
* Ability to problem solve
* Incorporate high quality evidence in patient centred care
* Develop and maintain positive working relationships
* Driving posts must have valid Full UK driving licence
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.
Benefits
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
£39,959 to £56,515 a year. Band 6 until MSc or Level 7 qualification obtained.
Equal Opportunities
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under‑represented.
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