Scottish Donation and Transplant Group written update: August 2023

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) 

Update given by:

• Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation

Dr Jo Farrar has now taken up her position as the Chief Executive of NHSBT. Dr Farrar has set out her three priority areas:

• People
• Delivery
• Innovation

Other changes in the Executive Team include Wendy Clark now taking up her position as the Deputy Chief Executive, Paul O’Brien has been appointed as the substantive Director of Blood Supply and David Rose, Director of Donor Experience has now left the organisation. An appointment has been made to the newly created Director of Nursing role – the details of the successful candidate will be shared imminently.

NHS industrial action continues with the junior doctors and consultant strikes. This has been very carefully monitored and managed across deceased organ donation and transplantation. During the Industrial action stand-up calls have taken place three times a day to address any urgent issues, and due to the commitment of all involved there were no missed donation opportunities.

The NHSBT Board meeting will be taking place in Edinburgh on 26 September 2023, with a dinner taking place the evening before for colleagues and partners. The NHSBT Chairperson, Chief Executive and Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation will also visit the transplant unit in Edinburgh and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS).

UK-wide data for quarter one of 2023/24 is strong being above target for both donors and transplants, however consent/authorisation rates remain a challenge at the UK level at 62% against a target of 66%.