4 May 2016
The team used the ‘Blockchain’ technology – which electronically shares and verifies data between individuals without an intermediary – to create a new, more efficient, model of blood transfers between hospitals.
Around 45,000 red blood cell and 9,000 platelet units are lost each year when they expire. At around £180 per unit, this could be costing the NHS up to £10 million annually.
Red Blood Cells are crucial for blood transfusions, while platelets are key to the treatment of cancer, leukaemia and blood disorders.
Using the smart system, hospitals in need of blood could automatically request stocks from nearby healthcare facilities, electronically and in split seconds, without the need for manual intervention.
The innovation came about through a recent Bank of England competition to find uses for Blockchain that would benefit society.
Dr Malcolm Kirkup, Director of Educational Innovation at University of Edinburgh Business School, said:
Winning the Bank of England competition is undoubtedly a fantastic achievement. But the inventiveness our students have shown in developing this new model could lead to an even greater accomplishment in the future. The creativity they have displayed in addressing this challenge is incredible, and in this new model they really have the potential to make a hugely positive impact. Their approach to the challenge is a testament to the benefits of the innovative learning environment we are dedicated to creating here at University of Edinburgh Business School.
The smart system could also use data on different hospitals’ usage to anticipate periods of high demand and ensure supplies don’t run too high or low.
Rob Elsey, Chief Information Officer, Bank of England, said
We ran this competition to find students with strong ideas on how to leverage new technologies and tap in to the potential of ‘blockchain’ technology, in the essence of making a positive difference to society. Our mission at the Bank is clear, to maintain financial and monetary stability for everyone in the UK and the Technology Division of the Bank works to research and exploit the latest technologies to continually improve our ability to deliver that mission.George, Sam, Ilya and Shuai’s idea to apply the technology to the NHS blood supply system really captured the essence of the competition and we’re delighted to offer them internships within Technology here at the Bank. It’s an exciting time of technological change and advancement and I am confident their creative ideas and different insights will be of benefit to the team in support of the Bank’s mission.
Winning students, George Kassis, Sam Howarth, Ilya Strelkov and Shuai Zeng now hope to develop the model further and present it to the NHS’ Blood and Transport Service.
The group will also join the Bank of England’s technical team for an internship in summer 2016.
Image source: @ iStockphoto