2021
Like the preceding year, 2021 proved challenging due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which impacted the National Blood Transfusion Service, where it was more challenging to attract donors due to the uncertainties and fear that this pandemic brought on. The NBTS helped in donor recruitment for the COVPLEX study that was undertaken by the University of Malta in testing for COVID-19 antibodies. NBTS nursing staff also contributed to the Covid-19 vaccine rollout, where 26,689 vaccines were administered.
The Quality Award achieved in 2020 was successfully maintained during this year through a series of mystery shopper exercises and other meetings/action plans whereby recommendations were taken up, including the installation and implementation of a Queuing System.
The Head of Civil Service Mr Mario Cutajar visited the NBTS for the signing of the quality standards during the public service week.
This year’s World Blood Donor Day Slogan was ‘Give blood and keep the world beating’. This message emphasized the special contribution that blood donors make to keep the world pulsating by saving lives and improving patients’ health.
Due to the pandemic, the ceremony “Ħajr għad-Donaturi tad-Demm”, which is usually organised for WBDD, had to be cancelled. However, the façades of the 3 Presidential Places, Marsa Bridges, Ministry for Health, Ministry for Social Security, Villa Bighi, the Triton Fountain, the Local Council Association administrative building, and the majority of Local Councils in Malta and Gozo were lit up in red. The primary scope of this gesture was to thank all blood donors and also to continue raising more awareness about the constant need for blood donations. On the 14th June, His Excellency the President of Malta Dr George Vella, and Archbishop Mons. Charles J. Scicluna published video messages relating to World Blood Donor Day. Furthermore, in the evening, a colourful spotlight and laser light show was projected in front of Auberge de Castile in Valletta under the patronage of The Prime Minister of Malta Dr Robert Abela.
During the mentioned year, the Donation Area Manager, Mr Angelo Degiorgio, retired after 20 years of service at the NBTS.
2022
This year, two licensing inspections for Blood and Tissue banking (Cornea) and an external EDQM audit were held.
For World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) the theme was “Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives”. Access link
In Malta, this was commemorated by the 8th Ceremony “Ħajr għad-donaturi tad-demm” which was held at the Verdala Palace under the patronage of H.E. the President of Malta Dr. George Vella, following a couple of years during which the Covid-19 outbreak prevented this from being organised. Dr Vella presented a recognition award to 25 donors who have helped save lives by donating their precious blood.
The NBTS became the official Eye Bank in Malta in 2018 and this year became affiliated with the European Eye Bank Association (EEBA). Six corneas were harvested and transplanted successfully to patients.
A Team Building Committee was elected to organise activities that enhance teamwork amongst NBTS staff.
An interfacing project of a laboratory analyser equipment involved a sample screening machine with the donor management system. Furthermore, as of this year, all donations have started to be tested for the Hepatitis E virus.
The new Establishment for Blood, Tissues, and Cells (EBTC) is progressing. It is estimated to cost around €30 million and is financed by the European RRF Funds. The building is targeted to start operating by 2025. In preparation for the new services to be offered in this new establishment, nine staff members were sent to Sicily and the Netherlands, with funds obtained from the Erasmus+ job shadowing programme that NBTS was awarded. Access link
2023
This year’s WBDD slogan by the World Health Organisation (WHO) was “Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often”. Access link
Several buildings around Malta and Gozo were lit in red as a ‘thank you’ message to all existing blood donors and to raise more awareness of the constant need for new ones. Access link
Furthermore, the 9th Ceremony, ‘Ħajr għad-donaturi tad-Demm’, was held at the Verdala Palace under the patronage of H.E. the President of Malta, Dr George Vella. 15 female and 10 male blood donors received a recognition award for their contribution to saving lives.
A Super Donor campaign to increase the number of first-time blood donors while retaining current ones was launched.
A new validation exercise to extend cornea storage shelf life from 7 to 14 days has commenced this year. This will enhance the availability of such a precious tissue. Donations have remained low following the pandemic, and lots of efforts and initiatives were discussed and implemented to increase awareness and cornea donor availability.
The Establishment for Blood Tissues and Cells (EBTC) construction commenced in June.
The NBTS participated for the first time in the Public Service EXPO, which focused on digital transformation in the public sector.
A new partnership was established with BOLT, which started to offer donors free transport to and from the main Blood Donation Centre in G’MangIa. Access link
2024
The work on the new blood, tissues and cell establishment continued during this year. Access link
Tissue banking activities continued, and 14 corneas were harvested and transplanted. An agreement was reached with Italy to provide freeze-dried amniotic membrane and with Germany to provide cornea tissue, ensuring a constant supply. Furthermore, NBTS was licensed to offer a new autologous serum eye drops service for patients referred from the Ophthalmology department.
On the 14th of June, the 20th World Blood Donors Day was celebrated with the slogan “20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors” Access link
In Malta, the NBTS commemorated the 8th Ceremony ‘Ħajr għad-Donaturi tad-Demm’ under the patronage of H.E. The President of Malta Myriam Spiteri Debono, Access link at Verdala Palace. Access link
Photo courtesy of the Office of the President
The NBTS, obtaining the Quality Label in 2020, was awarded the Quality Award for maintaining consistency and commitment to high-quality service. Access link
Blood donation eligibility guidelines were revised and updated, as donors taking certain medications can now donate blood. Access link