Editorial

This edition features the ISBT Quality Management Working Party (QMWP). QM systems underpin everything we do in the sphere of blood transfusion, being vital for the effective running of our hospitals and blood services and for overall blood safety. The articles on pages 5-9 as well as setting out the case for harmonisation of terminology in QM, offer practical advice on using QM tools in the blood transfusion setting and on how to turn quality incidents into positive learning experiences. Have a browse through, meet the new Chair of the WP Nigar Ertuğrul Örüç and try the QM quiz. The Regional section pages 30-34 also has some great examples of quality initiatives from around the world.

The ISBT Academy continues to support educational events around the world thanks to all those who organise this diverse range of events each tailored to local needs. View some recent examples on pages 23-28.

Meanwhile at ISBT Central Office, elections for open positions on the ISBT Board of Directors are underway and voting closes on May 11, 2024. All ISBT members who joined on or before Dec 12, 2023, are eligible to vote; if this includes you, make sure you don’t miss your opportunity shape the future of our society. Mike Busch’s final ‘from the President’ letter, before moving to the position of Past President, celebrates the society’s journey and over the last 4 years with appreciation of the commitment, leadership and team spirit within the society.

Selected recordings from the ISBT Cape Town regional congress have recently been released to the ISBT webcast library, and we are of course now working up to the ISBT International congress in the amazing city of Barcelona! Following the abstract review meeting last month where around 1100 abstracts were considered, the extensive scientific programme is complete and includes two exciting award sessions featuring lectures from the winners of the prestigious ISBT Presidential Award (Thierry Burnouf) and Jean Julliard Prize (Linda Schönborn); congratulations to both and to all our other award and prize winners.

Hope to see you for a fantastic programme and social whirl in sunny Barcelona!