Deputy Transfusion Practitioner

Job locations

Torbay Hospital

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, applying specialist knowledge and critical thinking in complex situations to mitigate risks, minimise harm, promote patient choice, and uphold national standards. They lead investigations of transfusion‑related incidents and reactions, disseminate learning, and drive 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.

• 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.
• Promote the optimal use of blood and blood products and advocate for alternatives to transfusion.
• Exercise independent professional judgment to implement improvements and influence policy at a Trust‑wide level.

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.

• Date posted: 05 February 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
• Band: 6
• Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 a year
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full‑time
• Reference number: -PC&S
• Job locations: Torbay Hospital, Lowe's Bridge, Torquay (TQ27AA
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• 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 and serving as a senior member of the Hospital Transfusion Committee.
• 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 lead 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…