Blood Service always prepared
In 2024, the Blood Service focused on strengthening the continuity of operations and responding to changes in the operating environment. We worked closely with various authorities and security organizations. Our preparedness exercises became regular and often unannounced, genuinely testing our preparedness and cooperation capabilities. The national criticality of blood supply as support for healthcare was confirmed in the Government’s decision on the objectives of security of supply.
Flexibility and responsiveness require seamless cooperation, sharing of expertise, and community spirit from us. We challenged our organization with new ways to develop the work community and work culture. Open discussions accessible to the entire staff on an AI-assisted platform opened up a common target state for leadership and work culture.
A real-life test for the Blood Service’s operational capability was the hepatitis E epidemic that started in Finland during the winter. We took quick actions in selecting donors and testing donated blood. The epidemic concretely demonstrated the necessity of sufficient blood product reserves. With these reserves, products can be kept in quarantine if needed without operating at extreme limits from both patient care and financial perspectives. Blood donors understood the situation well, and cooperation with hospitals and doctors was seamless. When the epidemic ended in late autumn, we were able to return to normal and cease hepatitis E testing with the support of the authorities.
In addition to blood product supply, the Blood Service has other critical functions for patient care. The Stem Cell Registry had a record year in the delivery of transplants for severely ill patients. The registry is responsible for the provision of transplants in Finland and Estonia. It has achieved an excellent reputation as a reliable and secure operator.
A record year was also achieved in the number of peer-reviewed scientific publications, reflecting the active research work of the Blood Service. A key success factor has been the extensive international network of our researchers, where future-creating collaboration takes place.
The experience of yesterday, today’s operational expertise, and curiosity about the future form the foundation on which we succeed in our mission for the benefit of patients. I want to thank our growing network of partners, volunteer donors, and Blood Service employees for their work for the continuation of life.
Warm thanks!
Pia Westman, Director of the Blood Service