Equality considerations

Equality considerations

NICE is committed to promoting equality, eliminating unlawful discrimination and fostering good relations between people with particular protected characteristics and others. In producing guidance and advice, NICE aims to comply fully with all legal obligations to: promote race and disability equality and equality of opportunity between men and women, eliminate unlawful discrimination on grounds of race, disability, age, sex, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity (including women post-delivery), sexual orientation, and religion or belief (these are protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010).

During cardiac surgery, women are more likely to have allogenic red blood cells, platelets and a greater quantity of blood compared with men (Rogers et al. 2007). Sex is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.

Hemosep may be of particular benefit to people with certain beliefs who are unwilling to accept blood transfusions.