National Blood Service

Brief business description

About the National Blood Service



The National Blood Service is not to be confused with the National Health Service.



We are an integral part of the NHS, and we guarantee to deliver blood, blood components, blood products and tissues from our 15 blood centres to anywhere in England and North Wales.



Naturally, we also ensure that the blood we supply is properly screened and is safe for patients. Every year we collect, test, process, store and issue 2.1 million blood donations. We depend entirely on voluntary donations from the general public, and try to encourage our existing donors to give three times a year. (It's amazing what the promise of a free cup of tea and some biscuits will do...)



But we also have a number of other functions. Such as continually carrying out new research into improving the safety of blood. And new ways it can be used to help save more lives.



We also provide specialist medical advice and clinical support to hospitals, as well as educating and training transfusion medicine specialists. It's a huge undertaking. But we're dedicated to keeping Britain's blood supply moving.



Our core purpose

To save and improve patients' lives.



Our mission

We will deliver world-class services, building ever stronger partnerships with donors and the healthcare community



Our values


We value people

• We listen and communicate clearly


• We strive to meet the needs of all our customers


• We recognise the achievements of others

We trust people

• To work to the highest possible standards of safety and quality


• To take responsibility for solving problems


• To embrace change for the better

We encourage people

• To be creative and innovative


• To work together to get things right


• To enjoy themselves and celebrate success.