An effective training programme requires leadership and commitment from the senior management of the organisation. They need to be aware of the regulatory requirements of the EU Blood directives together with other national standards for safe and appropriate transfusion practice.

It is essential to have an active multidisciplinary Hospital Transfusion Committee (HTC) that takes responsibility for developing and implementing a strategy for the education and training of all clinical, laboratory and support staff involved in blood transfusion. A lead person should be appointed to oversee the day-to-day running of the training programme and must have access to adequate staffing and resources.