Bar-code blood system wins award

If the blood is the wrong match the computer gives a warning bleep

The trust which runs the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford has won an award for an electronic bar-coding system designed to track blood transfusions.

Wristbands with barcodes store the patients' data and handheld computers guide staff through each step of the process, saving on paperwork.

The system developed by the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS trust aims to eliminate potential errors.

The trust says it is now confident the system can be rolled out globally.

"This has been totally pioneering," said Professor Mike Murphy, who led the development team.

"Other hospitals all over the world are catching on now and we are really proud to have been part of something so exciting and new.

"The whole process of blood transfusions - from blood sample collection, through laboratory testing, collection of blood bags from blood fridges and the administration of blood - are all electronically controlled.

"It's much safer for patients, virtually eliminating the risk of the getting the wrong blood. It's also much quicker and easier for nurses and it minimises wastage."

The NHS trust won an award for innovation and progress in Society Guardian's public services awards 2008.