The Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) has conducted a comprehensive training programme for healthcare workers to improve the safety and quality of blood banking services in the state.
According to LSBTS, the seven-day training, held from March 11-14 and March 19-21 at the LCCI Conference and Exhibition Centre in Ikeja, Lagos, focused on critical aspects of safe blood practices.
It said that 340 healthcare workers, including 200 medical doctors from various specialisations and 140 medical laboratory scientists from private blood banks, participated in the programme.
Executive Secretary of the LSBTS, Dr Bodunrin Osikomaiya, said the training covered essential topics, such as mobilising and converting blood donors, appropriate clinical use of blood and blood products, haemovigilance (monitoring the safety of blood donations), and the role of laboratories in ensuring blood safety.
“With 200 medical doctors from surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics & gynaecology, paediatrics, and emergency departments, alongside 140 medical laboratory scientists from private blood banks, the training aimed to equip healthcare providers with the necessary skills and knowledge to improve service delivery,” she explained.
Osikomaiya, who emphasised the importance of the training in line with international best standards and highlighted its role as a major activity evaluated during regulatory visits by the state Blood Monitoring and Enforcement sub-committee, added: “The LSBTS, established to ensure the safety of blood from collection to transfusion, remains dedicated to recruiting and retaining voluntary blood donors, screening all donated blood for transfusion-transmissible infections, and promoting efficient blood processing.
“This successful training underscores the LSBTS’ commitment to providing safe and quality blood banking services to meet the needs of the community. It serves as a testament to their ongoing efforts to uphold the highest standards of patients’ care and safety.”
