Identification of cases
We conducted a retrospective analysis of RBC transfusion events in hospital inpatients with ENT as their primary treatment team [removed for blind peer review]. Relevant transfusion events were identified in the period January 2015 to December 2019 using the inbuilt search capability of the Trust’s electronic patient administration tool: [removed for blind peer review]. The care pathway for all individuals receiving one or more RBC transfusion was scrutinized. Both emergency and elective admissions were included regardless of surgical intervention. Patients under the age of 16 years were excluded.