A blood transfusion is the administration of whole blood or a blood component directly into a vein.

There are risks associated with blood transfusion, as there are with many other treatments.  The risks may be minimised by reducing the unnecessary use of blood together with careful attention to detail and the use of correct procedures throughout the transfusion process.

Trust Hospital Transfusion Committee (Chair: Dr John Isaac, Consultant Anaesthetist)

The Hospital Transfusion Committee (HTC) promotes the highest standard of transfusion practice throughout University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.  The HTC is responsible, on behalf of the Chief Executive, for the implementation of the Better Blood Transfusion health service circulars and ensuring that other key healthcare standards relating to transfusion are met.

The HTC has medical, nursing and managerial representation from the Trust and representation from the other organisations which receive blood from the Trust.