<p>In response to reports of fragmentation in care, treatment delays and concern over the safety of patients receiving blood transfusion support, a collaborative project between NHS Blood and Transplant and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service explored the feasibility of nurses and midwives extending their role to prescribe blood components. The project identified that there were no legal barriers to role development and, following extensive consultation, a governance framework to support safe practice is now available for all NHS trusts and boards.</p>