Blood Health National Oversight Group

The Blood Health National Oversight Group (BHNOG) was established in 2017 to oversee the implementation of the Blood Health Plan.

Comprising of representatives from Welsh Government, Welsh Blood Service, Transfusion Representatives from each health board (HB) in Wales, along with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), the BHNOG provides an oversight role to deliver transfusion practice through a collaborative system leadership approach.

In 2025, the BHNOG Terms of Reference were revised to reflect the requirements of the group to meet the Infected Blood Inquiry Recommendations. To this end, the membership of the BHNOG has also been expanded to be able to empower Health Boards (HBs) to promote safe and appropriate use of blood through the use of Prudent Healthcare and Patient Blood Management principles.

To align with the objectives of the Blood Health Plan, the BHNOG have identified key priorities set out within workstreams, each of which have clinical leads responsible for overseeing the work of the group.

For more information on the workstreams click on the buttons below:

BHNOG Key Workstreams

Appropriate Platelet Use

Appropriate Use of O D Negative Red Cells

Anaemia Management

Intraoperative Cell Salvage

Infected Blood Inquiry

The Inquiry's final report will be published on 20th May 2024. You can find further information about the Inquiry's work here.

SHOT Transfusion Safety Standards 2025

In July 2025, SHOT released the SHOT Transfusion Safety Standards covering various aspects of patient care and staff wellbeing. They have been developed with the aim of driving continuous improvement, safety, and resilience across healthcare. Click on image to access the standards

April 2024 - TACO Alert

The MHRA and SHOT issued a National Patient Safety Alert on Reducing risks for transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) in April 2024. Please click on image to read the alert.