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What is Pulse? Essentially it is a complete software system that powers the whole donation lifecycle for a blood transfusion service. It is currently in use by NHS Blood and Transplant, Jersey BTS, Northern Ireland BTS and the Isle of Man BTS. Its role begins with donor management and donor session planning, continues on through laboratory testing, stock management and ends with safe dispatch to hospitals.

Thanks to Pulse, people who freely give donations of their blood are able to make an often life saving contribution to patients’ lives. At the same time, Pulse provides accurate, real time information to anybody who needs to know the state of the nation’s blood and tissue supplies - managers, public health agencies, the NHS and the Government.

The History of PULSE

Early Years

1981 - Savant starts to develop "Mithras" for NE Thames RHA
1985 - SW & SE Thames RHA join Mithras group
1986 - Donor system goes live
1990 - Mithra fully operational
1992 - PCs at Donation Sessions goes live
1993 - Mithras goes live at Lancaster Blood Transfusion Centre

 Years

National System Tender
May 1994 - OJEC Notice for National Core System
Aug 1994 - Statement of Need issued to 27 international suppliers
Oct 1994 - Savant and another 2 suppliers shortlisted
Dec 1994 - Savant win contract

National System Roll Out
Apr 1996 - Belfast live on Version 0 (Mithras)
May 1996 - Version 0 acceptance tested
May 1996 - Colindale data centre established
Jul 1996 - Version 1 acceptance tested
Aug 1996 - South Thames live
Oct 1996 - Manchester/Lancaster live
Dec 1996 - Bristol/Plymouth live
Feb 1997 - Belfast live on PULSE
Mar 1997 - Bristol data centre established
Mar 1997 - Oxford live
May 1997 - Brentwood/Cambridge live
Jun 1997 - Leeds data centre established
Jun 1997 - Leeds live
Aug 1997 - Southampton live
Sep 1997 - Colindale live
Sep 1997 - Liverpool live
Oct 1997 - Birmingham live
Dec 1997 - Newcastle live
Jan 1998 - Sheffield live
Jan 1998 - Contract complete on time
Apr 1998 - PULSE wins Most Effective use of IT in NHS award
Jun 1998 - PULSE wins Best Network award