Insider Newsletter April

Bophelo - Efficiency in Action

Our fridge, called Bophelo - meaning 'life'- is currently piloted at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in Johannesburg. The introduction of the fridge is aimed at reducing turnaround times for patients to receive blood. It operates as a vending machine, and healthcare workers use a unique code sent to them by SANBSto access cross-matched blood.

Since its introduction, Bophelo has been streamlining operations, avoiding wastages and saving valuable time for our employees. With its user-friendly interface and intelligent features, it is easy for health workers to locate the unit of blood for their patients.

At SANBS, innovation is not just about embracing the latest technology; it is about embodying a culture of continuous improvement and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Bophelo plays a pivotal role in our mission by providing easy access to blood products and services.

"We have seen an improvement in the Patient Blood Management initiative where one unit of blood is issued when needed. The unit issued and not collected shows that the clinicians use blood units only when needed, and this is a good improvement as these units would have been issued to the hospital and ended up being discarded."

ltumeleng Phayane, National Issuing Officer

Exciting news! We're excited to announce that we officially joined TikTok! In line with our mission to engage with our community in innovative ways and spread awareness about the importance of blood donation, we've decided to hop on the TikTok train and showcase the incredible work we do in a fun and interactive way.

TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular social media platforms, especially among younger audiences. With its short-form video format and viral challenges, TikTok offers us a fantastic opportunity to connect with a wider audience and make a real impact.

But here's where you come in! We're encouraging all SANBS employees to get involved and become part of our TikTok journey. Whether you're working in the lab, assisting donors, or managing operations, there's a place for you to showcase your creativity and highlight the amazing work we do at the blood service.

We invite you to create user-generated content that reflects your day-to-day experiences at SANBS. Whether it's hopping on viral challenges, showcasing behind-the-scenes moments, or educating the community about the importance of blood donation, the possibilities are endless. Let's harness the power of TikTok to inspire others and drive positive change.

To get started, follow our official TikTok account @thesanbs and start brainstorming ideas for your own short-form videos with your team. Remember to keep it fun, authentic, and aligned with SANBS's values and mission.

Stay tuned for more updates and exciting content.

Safety & Environment

A total of 114 incidents were logged in 03 of 2023/24 FY with 108 incidents investigated within the prescribed timelines. Incidents reported per zone are as follows:

malanga- 10

The incidents (nationally) were categorized as per below:

• Major incidents - 1

• Minor incidents - 52

• Near misses - 55

A total of 289 SANBS employees were trained in the 3rd quarter of 2023/24 FYon S & E courses.

Remember "The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you"

Incident Trend Analysis

• Vehicle incidents are still high under property damage followed by damage to the building.

• An increase in the number of lost time injuries was noted in this quarter mostly from employees being involved in vehicle accidents.

• Injury on duty incidents resulting from slips and falls have also be noted to be on the increase.

• Two needle stick injuries were reported in Q3 same as in Q2

• Two eye splash incidents reported this quarter while there were no similar incidents in the last 2 quarters.

S&E Inspections:

57 S&E Inspections and 46 waste inspections were conducted in the 3rd quarter of 23/24 FY with no major findings.

Baseline RiskAssessment:

There were 25 site risk assessments conducted for the 3rd quarter. There were 35 risk identified / non-compliances with 2 rated as Medium and the rest as low risk.

Procure to Pay

The Procure-to-Pay (P2P) optimisation project aims to improve standard operating procedures for procurement by SANBS.

Online training on Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) shopping cart creation and procurement processes will soon be available thanks to the collaboration between the Learning & Development, IT Enterprise Resource Planning, and Procurement departments. The modules affect all users who procure goods or services and will be accessible on the SAN BSAcademy portal.

Setshego Molatudi shares her first-hand perspective as a procurement administrative assistant: "What excites me about this project is the user-friendly system that allows me to track key performance indicators for purchase orders easily. In addition, working together as a team towards achieving common goals has been really fulfilling. However, what truly stands out for me are the opportunities to learn and grow."

The approval of the procurement process is underway. Once approved, the process and procedures will be released to all employees, and communication will be sent out once the modules are published.

Figure out why you're procrastinating

Apply the 2 minute rule. If you can do it in 2 minutes, do it right away

Minimise distractions

..,__-.,.eon in to peer pressure, but in a good way. Socialise with people who inspire you to act

Enjoy the sense of accomplishment!

psychosocial counselling

For confidential assistance on psychosocial matters, contact your EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAMME on toll-free 0800 611 248 or SMS your name to 31581 or email ewp@lifehealthcare.co.za

Safety At The Wheel

The Transport Department recently engaged in team-building activities to enhance safety awareness among its team members. These activities aimed to promote safe driving practices and equip the team with crucial skills to mitigate risks on the road.

1. Safety Talk:

Detailed safety talks were conducted with demonstrations emphasising safe driving habits.

2. Seatbelt Convincer:

This demonstrated the impact of collisions, highlighting the necessity of wearing seat belts for all occupants.

3. Drunk Buster:

Simulations were used to illustrate the dangers of driving under the influence, emphasising responsible behaviour.

4. Hi-Jack Extraction:

These exercises equipped the team with skills to navigate dangerous situations on the road safely.

The team gained more awareness and a renewed commitment to encouraging safe driving habits by promoting a culture of safety and accountability inside the Transport Department, assuring the safety of all road users.

Retrospective Evaluation of Deferrals in Limpopo Branch of South African National Blood Service before and after Iron Supplementation

Bookie Dube 1 : Solomuzi Ngcobo 1

1 South African National Blood Service, South Africa

BACKGROUND

Regular blood donation reduces iron levels

Each time a donor donates blood, he/she loses between 220-250 mg of iron.

Regular blood donation might lead to iron deficiency hence the introduction of iron supplementation to all qualifying donors in SANBS in 2020.

500 - 800 mg of iron can increase hemoglobin levels by 2-3 g/dlb.

Deferrals are directly linked to collections hence the need to decrease the number of deferrals in order to increase and sustain blood collections.

AIMS

To assess the impact of introduction of iron supplementation on the deferral rate of blood donors.

CONCLUSION

It was noted that the deferral rate decreased significantly in the female donors and this could be attributed to iron supplementation.

The decrease could also be attributed to the decrease of hemoglobin acceptance criteria from 12,5 g/dl to 12 g/dl.

There was also a decrease in males as well which is probably due to iron supplementation as there was an increased in hemoglobin acceptance criteria from 12.5 g/dl to 13 g/dl.

There is a statistical significance that the introduction of iron supplementation did decrease the deferral rate of donors with anemia.

It is therefore recommended that SAN BS continues administering iron tablets to qualifying donors.

The collections staff need to encourage the donors to take iron tablets.

The collections staff also need to educate the donors on possible side effects of iran tablets.

METHODS

The study considered data of deferrals between 2018 and 2022 in Limpopo branch.

The data of the deferral was collected from SANBS Bl system.

2018-2019(before introduction of iron supplementation) was compared to 2021-2022(post introduction).

The data was analyzed in terms of age groups, gender and type of deferrals.

New donors were excluded from the study

Only donors between the ages of 16-45 years were considered.

Summary statistics was used to analyze the data.

Fisher's test was used to determine the statistical significance of the study.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS/ CONTACT

Ronel Swanevelder

Bookie.Dube@sanbs.org.za

Q: What motivated you to pursue this promotion, and how did you prepare for it?

A: Over the years, I improved my administration skills by assisting whenever the administration department needed it. I expanded my knowledge by doing a year-long course in Advanced Office Management and Information Technology with the help of SANBSstudy assistance. It was time for me to apply these skills in a new role. I prepared for the interview by reviewing the role profile and comparing it to what I did in my previous role. I also familiarised myself with some policies and procedures to understand the role and responsibilities better.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your new role?

A: I appreciate the opportunity to learn, grow and be introduced to new challenges.

Q: What advice would you give your colleagues who aspire to grow within the SANBS?

A: I advise them never to view being exposed to different departments as "not part of my role profile" but rather as an opportunity to develop new skills and in formation. You never know where that knowledge and skills gained may take you.

"My name, Noma/la, might imply "finished," yet my spirit is everything but! I bring humour, passion, and a positive attitude to whatever I do."

A Lifetime of Service: Margaret's 43-Year Journey with SANBS

We honour a remarkable member of the SANBS family as she embarks on new adventures in her well-deserved retirement.

Margaret, fondly known as Sr Margie, has been an integral part of our organisation for an incredible 43 years, and her journey with us spans from the early days of National Blood Transfusion Services (N BTS) till now.

On her very first day, Margaret found herself thrown into the deep end at a tertiary blood drive, where she was tasked with performing 50 venepunctures to enable her to be signed off as competent. She navigated through each venepuncture that day, drawing upon her solid experience. Sink or swim, she chose to swim indeed.

In addition to her remarkable tenure at SANBS, Margaret made significant contributions as a pivotal member of the research team focused on investigating the donors' immunological reactions to the Rabipur Vaccine project.

As Margaret concludes her journey with SANBS at an impressive 43 years, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for her service and commitment.

Sr. Margie, thank you for being an embodiment of our values every day. Your q legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come. We wish you only the best in your retirement. May this new chapter be filled with joy, fulfilment, and endless adventures. Thank you for your 43 years of dedication, and cheers to the remarkable journey ahead.

How SANBS Champions Learning in the Digital Age

In today's fast-paced work environment, the South African National Blood Service (SAN BS) is renowned for its life-saving mission and for fostering a culture of continuous learning. Through innovative digital platforms, the Learning & Development department and the Research Advisory and Development (RAD) Academy empower staff to grow personally and professionally.

Udemy

- Focuses on skill enhancement in the areas of business, technology and personal development

- Currently has 83 licenses in use

SANBS CPD portal

- Streamlines maintaining competency and assuring compliance with professional bodies such as HPCSA Bookboon

- Provides a library of resources ranging from leadership development to soft skills

- With 1987 downloads, it serves 674 active users and promotes both professional and personal improvement

AWARDED TO

Alinah Molale I Bernadine Smith I Betty Jelle

Beverley Mahlare I Bongiwe Zungu I Bradford Jonas

Edith Buziba I Janine Barker I Leena Reddy

Letsie Strydom I Melanie Haywood I Mersia Nkosi

Natasha Joseph I Nerusha Baldeo I Refilwe Seopela

Senzeni Mahlangu I Thomas Mamabolo I Vanitha Rambiritch

Veronica Mmulutsi I Zandile Shezi I Lungile Zama

Kutlwano Seleke I Barnard Kgengwe I Tebogo Mathonsi

Mathapelo Makola I Nondumiso Mbatha I Mlungisi Ndlovu

Lungani Nyandeni I Mahlodi Ramafoko

Fortheirexceptionaldedicationandsuccessfulcompletionoftheir qualificationsandprogramsthroughouttheyear2023.