Changing the future
How we are putting sustainability into action
Every organisation is trying to be greener and we are no exception. So we are working towards a sustainable future by making all our operations as efficient as possible whilst meeting the needs of patients.
We now have a paperless future in our sights. Last year we tested alternative ways of inviting donors to sessions – sending a paper invitation only to those that had a booked appointment. For donors that did not have a booked appointment, we invited them to the session by email. This change means that we are able to cut paper invitations by a considerable amount, and crucially it is not causing a fall in the numbers of donors that turn up to donate.
We’re now rolling out the new system nationally. These changes are good for the environment and the money saved can be used elsewhere in the NHS.
A shift towards online appointment booking
Helping our move away from paper is our online service. Since its launch in 2013 it has become the most popular way for donors to manage appointments. Almost 1.4 million donors have registered to use the service and nearly 2.8 million appointments have been booked digitally. We now have one of the largest digital booking systems of any blood service in the world.
Thanks to your feedback we’ve made some upgrades:
- It’s now easier to find a convenient appointment by venue or date
- Improvements to appointment calendar reminders
- A better presentation of your donation milestones.
Booking an appointment has never been easier
If you have an online account, check out our handy mobile app ‘NHSGiveBlood’ from the App store, Google Play store or the Windows Mobile store. With the app you can speedily book your next appointment, plus you will get useful reminders and updates as well as instant access to health, eligibility and travel questions so you are well prepared for your next visit.
Let us know what you think!
If you already use the app and find it helpful, please leave a review on the stores; we’d love to hear from you!
And finally...
Save time at your next session by remembering to bring your completed Donor Health Check form with you.
In this issue of The Donor magazine
Helping young people get the message
Save someone's life while going about yours
Have you had the conversation?