Addressing process gaps and staff errors - Incidents of administrative errors, stemming from the need for manual transcription, insufficient or inadequate equipment and staff understanding of newly implemented processes, prompted a comprehensive corrective response. We launched a major intervention to address equipment and connectivity challenges, streamline digital processes, eliminate where possible, manual steps and embed stronger process controls. These activities were underpinned by extensive staff engagement and retraining where required. In response, we noted a steep decline in errors.

The National Haemovigilance Committee was implemented as a joint initiative between SANBS and Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS). Their role is to independently review the serious donor and patient adverse events reported to SANBS and WCBS and provide their input to the Clinical Governance Committee. This has ensured an extra layer of assurance of our commitment to donor and patient safety.