By Ayomide Otitoju
The Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) has intensified efforts toward international accreditation, rallying its workforce around teamwork, leadership, and quality improvement during a two-day Workforce Engagement Forum held February 16–17, 2026, in Lagos.
The forum, themed “Accreditation as a Shared Goal: Strengthening Teamwork and Quality for Safe, Reliable Blood Transfusion Services,” convened management, technical staff, volunteers, and facilitators at Providence Hotel Ikeja and the Conference Hall of the Debt Management Office, Alausa-Ikeja. Participants reviewed existing processes, identified gaps, and developed measurable performance indicators to guide operations.
Executive Secretary of LSBTS, Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya, described the engagement as a shift from episodic training to a sustained institutional process anchored on collaboration and accountability.
“This training is not just an event; it is a process, and it can only succeed if everyone works together as a team,” Osikomaiya said. She added that the forum offered an opportunity to examine past challenges, consolidate achievements, and identify ways to sustain and improve existing systems.
The sessions emphasized teamwork, team building, and leadership development across management and operational staff. “Effective team building and leadership training make it easier to discuss and achieve our goals, ensuring continuous quality improvement beyond the training,” Osikomaiya said.
Participants actively documented achievable goals based on standard operating procedures, guidelines, and available resources, while the monitoring and enforcement subcommittee ensured follow-up on agreed initiatives. All units contributed to developing key performance indicators to track progress and strengthen accountability across the transfusion service.
Retired Major General Mrs. Tilewa Amosu, a facilitator, noted that the retreat provided a platform for bonding and clarifying roles among personnel, which is critical in collaborative work. “This retreat allows staff to come together as a team, which is essential for effective service delivery,” she said. Amosu added that the engagement would align operations with international expectations and secure broader recognition.
Consultant Haematologist Dr. Orolu Adebukola explained that the programme helped every staff member understand their role in achieving accreditation, in line with LSBTS’ vision of ensuring safe blood for transfusion. “Accreditation must be a shared responsibility across all departments,” she said, highlighting the coordinated roles of donor recruitment, blood processing, screening, and infection testing units.
Quality Assurance Manager Mr. Taiwo Oloko described the forum as transformative, equipping him with strategies to foster a more united and focused team. “Accreditation is not the responsibility of one person or one department; collaboration is key,” he said.
Staff member Miss Oluwasiji Damilola said the engagement broadened her understanding of safe transfusion practices and reinforced the importance of teamwork in achieving reliable results. “Working together effectively allows us to deliver safe blood services to the people of Lagos State,” she said.
The LSBTS forum reflects the service’s commitment to continuous improvement and sets the stage for achieving international standards in blood transfusion safety.
