SHOT and UKTLC safety culture survey in transfusion laboratories in the UK (2023)
In November 2023, SHOT and the UK Transfusion Laboratory Collaborative (UKTLC) conducted a survey on safety culture within the transfusion laboratories across UK. The summary report is now ready with key recommendations to improve safety culture. SHOT and the UKTLC would like to express our sincere gratitude to all who responded to the survey and shared their lived experiences. Your responses have helped to highlight the concerns regarding safety culture in laboratories and has informed improvement actions at a national level.
The 2023 SHOT and UKTLC laboratory culture survey reveals a concerning situation. It suggests that transfusion laboratory staff across the UK report feeling psychologically unsafe, with issues sometimes ignored and a degree of incivility present. This culture requires attention. Organisations must encourage a culture and have a clear strategy to listen to staff, support them, and actively work to create safe, positive work environments. This isn’t just about staff wellbeing – it’s about ensuring the highest quality care for patients.”
Joanna Andrews, Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) President
A document with suggestions to improve safety culture has also been created based on ongoing initiatives in various parts of the UK to support healthcare organisations and is available below.
Please note that SHOT Bite 24 ‘Speaking up for safety’ can be accessed here: SHOT Bites
SHOT-UKTLC-laboratory-culture-survey-summary-final-April-2024


Previous culture survey responses
UKTLC Culture Survey Report 2019
UKTLC Culture Survey Summary 2019
UKTLC Surveys
UKTLC Survey 2022 – Key Findings

UKTLC Survey 2019 – Key Findings