Insights into Excellence: Learning from NHS Blood and Transplant, Filton
Our recent visit to NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) in Filton offered an inspiring glimpse into an organisation where every process, every improvement, and every act of teamwork contributes directly to saving and improving lives.
As a Special Health Authority, NHSBT is responsible for ensuring the safe and secure supply of blood, stem cells, tissues, solid organs, and plasma products to the NHS. Each year, nearly two million units of blood and over 4,400 organs are donated through its network, supporting hospitals and patients across England and the wider UK. With a dedicated team of around 5,600 employees, NHSBT’s mission is as critical as it is complex — and Filton stands at the heart of that mission.
Driving Excellence Through Continuous Improvement
One of the key themes of the visit was transformation through continuous improvement. The Filton site has made remarkable strides in operational excellence by embracing lean thinking and data-driven management.
A major highlight was the batch-to-flow transformation, which has delivered significant operational benefits:
- Reduced work-in-progress, returning processed blood to fridges faster.
- Eliminated wasted movement, improving both efficiency and ergonomics.
- Enhanced lighting and visual management, including the introduction of shadow boards and traffic-light signage.
The 6S programme, supported by regular audits, has further strengthened workplace organisation and safety. The results speak for themselves: a cleaner, more efficient workspace and visibly higher levels of engagement among staff.
Digital Transformation and the Improvement Academy
Filton’s digital journey and its Continuous Improvement (CI) Academy particularly impressed the visiting group. The CI Academy provides structured development for staff at all levels, equipping them to identify opportunities, lead change, and sustain improvements. The site’s commitment to digital transformation—from data management to visual dashboards—demonstrates how innovation and standardisation can work hand-in-hand to deliver better outcomes for both staff and patients.
Visitors also highlighted the culture of celebration around improvement. Recognising and sharing success has become an integral part of how NHSBT sustains its CI efforts.
Reflections from the Visit
Feedback from the group was overwhelmingly positive:
“A very informative tour that highlighted how time-sensitive blood operations are.”
“Very well organised visit — knowledgeable hosts and lots of open, engaging conversation.”
“So interesting to learn what happens to blood donations and meet such enthusiastic people.”
“It’s inspiring to see improvement in such a highly regarded and life-changing organisation.”
Many participants noted that the shop floor tour was the highlight of the day, offering a first-hand look at the precision, care, and teamwork that keep the nation’s blood supply running smoothly.
Key Takeaways and Ideas for Action
The visit sparked a wealth of ideas to take forward in our own organisations, including:
- Establishing a CI Academy or similar structured learning programme.
- Strengthening Gemba walks and tiered CI structures.
- Using production pods and flow-based layouts to improve efficiency.
- Enhancing visual management through better dashboards, signage, and labelling.
- Introducing basic Lean training for all staff to build a shared language of improvement.
- Celebrating improvement more visibly and regularly.
- Driving digital transformation to make data more accessible and actionable.
A Culture of Learning and Collaboration
The Filton visit was a vivid reminder of what can be achieved when purpose, process, and people align around a shared goal. The passion and professionalism of the NHSBT team were infectious, demonstrating that even in highly regulated and time-sensitive environments, continuous improvement and innovation thrive when supported by strong leadership and a culture of learning.
“Good site, would come again!” summed up the mood perfectly — and indeed, many of us left feeling inspired to apply these lessons within our own workplaces.
In essence, the NHSBT Filton visit was not just a tour of a world-class facility — it was a masterclass in purpose-driven excellence.
Our next visit, for more information or to book CLICK HERE
About Onsite Insights
Established in 2004, the Onsite Insights visit program exists to encourage the sharing of innovation and best practice between companies. This is achieved through a series of one day visits to award winning companies where visitors get to see best practice in action. No theory, no text book, just what works and why from organizations that have achieved success.
For More Information contact:
Jim Brydon
Programme Manager
Onsite Insights
Jim.Brydon@sapartners.com