Lancaster Donor Centre

17, 21 February 2014

During a routine inspection

We visited the Donor Centre in Lancaster, and a remote blood donation collection session in a community centre in Preston. Accompanied by a Specialist Professional Advisor with an interest in infection control measures, we spoke with five donors who explained that the staff always provided them with relevant Information about the donation process before, during and after donation. This included information about potential side effects of donation and relevant aftercare arrangements. Donors said the environment was comfortable. Staff were seen to interact positively with donors. The donors we spoke to said that the staff allows promoted their privacy and dignity, and that they treated them with respect. We observed the staff to act in a professional manner. One donor explained that they had been visiting the centre for several years and knew the staff well, and thought them to be very professional and confident. They thought the environment was clean and tidy and did not feel as though they would be put at any risks when using the centre. Audits were conducted under a national and local clinical audit programme. These included infection control, consent in practice, blood safety, medical checks, donor health care questions and confidentiality. Each audit had agreed actions, details of ongoing monitoring as well as completion dates. In addition to the annual audit, daily checks were also in place which ensured the service was run efficiently and safely.

See full summary of 17, 21 February 2014 report See shortened summary of 17, 21 February 2014 report