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29/6/2018 0 Comments Unsung HeroesThe word 'hero' gets thrown around a lot, but we really mean it. Our June meeting visitor Alex Davidson - Chairman of the Nottingham Blood Bikes - opened our eyes to a vital service supporting our NHS. The Blood Bikes, which started circa 1962 in London and remains relatively unchanged, are a 24/7/365 charity service which runs emergency transport covering 80% of the country to deliver and collect whole blood, cells, samples, urgent tools and files and even frozen breast milk. With no government funding, the service is run entirely by unpaid volunteers, and is completely free of charge to the NHS. 32 groups cover the country with around 3500 volunteers, and in 2014 charity status was finally achieved to give recognition and support to these amazing riders and coordinators. The Nottingham branch has approx. 100 volunteers, of which 89 are riders; 49 of those with advanced riding qualifications and the remainder undertaking the advanced training. A contract is in place with Notts Healthcare Trust and the bikes undertake runs to and between City, QMC and Kingsmill hospital as well as other medical outlets under the Trust, responding to 2640 clinical requests since the contract started and saving over £30,000 to the NHS. Quite rightly, Alex is proud to state the Nottingham Blood Bikes have never had to turn down a request, and the majority of calls are responded to within 25mins, well ahead of their own SLA of 35mins. Impressive work, although as Alex reminds us, traffic is a lot less busy at 3am when the team are usually out on the road! Very little has changed since the inauguration of the BB's, except shared bikes are now used rather than personal vehicles, and the requests increase year on year. Fundraising is an essential part of the Blood Bikes, with no secured funding, and the bikers will often be seen at fayres, fetes, rallies, group meets, giving talks, on toy runs and community drives. Whether it's breast milk for a preemie, whole blood for an urgent transfusion, or samples for emergency testing, the Blood Bikes are on hand, free of charge, and quite literally saving lives every day. Their incredible work deserves recognition and to the NHS they are a vital resource. Thank you to all those riding for others' lives! Do you know a biker with some time to spare? Want to volunteer or fundraise for the Blood Bikes? Find out more at nottinghamshirebloodbikes.org/ and make sure to give them a like or follow on social media.
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