Recommendation IBI-7a(iii): Transfusion Performance Benchmarking
From Infected Blood Inquiry Final Report, published 20 May 2024.
Recommendation
Consideration be given to standardising and benchmarking transfusion performance between hospitals in order to deliver better patient blood management
In brief (written by this site)
In November 2025, Dr Lorna McLintock of the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service reported that all Scottish health boards had confirmed using its clinical transfusion dashboard and that a UK-wide benchmarking group had been established (Dr Lorna McLintock, Nov 2025). Earlier, in May 2025, the UK Government accepted the recommendation, stating that it had initiated a review of benchmarking practices, requested updated guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and was working with the Care Quality Commission, though developing new benchmarking categories and funding to expand the model health dashboard were still required (Cabinet Office response, May 2025).
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 26 Sep 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
About this summary
This recommendation applies across many organisations. The record reflects central policy activity; adoption in individual organisations may vary.
Government response
In relation to the recommendation on standardising and benchmarking, a review of current benchmarking practices and associated data collection and ongoing intelligence and analysis requirements, including model health dashboard and national clinical audit, has been initiated. This will be followed by the development of new benchmarking categories and funding will be required to expand the model health dashboard.
A proposal has been submitted to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in December 2024 with a request to update guidance. Work is underway with CQC to incorporate standards within the relevant framework.
Delivery
Scottish Government says in progress (11 November 2025)
In respect of Recommendation 7(a)(iii) - that consideration be given to standardising and benchmarking transfusion performance between hospitals in order to deliver better patient blood management - Lorna noted that the OAG had previously agreed to meet this recommendation via the letter issued by the previous OAG Chair, Christine McLaughlin, in November 2024, asking Boards to confirm that they were using the existing SNBTS clinical transfusion dashboard. All Boards have responded to this letter to confirm that they were using the dashboard. Lorna advised that a UK-wide benchmarking group had been set up and the devolved administrations had been invited to attend.
From: Infected Blood Oversight and Assurance Group Minutes: November 2025, Dr Lorna McLintock
Site note: Scottish Government record (minutes of its Infected Blood Oversight and Assurance Group). It covers Scotland only and is not the UK position.
Site note: The minutes are the Scottish Government's record, in reported speech, of what was said at the meeting of 11 November 2025; this entry records the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS), on its paper to the group. The row is dated to the meeting; the minutes were published on 15 December 2025.
Responsible bodies
Themes and tags
Who has spoken
- UK Government
Response - Scottish Government
Delivery statement