A TEAM of dedicated volunteers are working around the clock to help support the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.
Blood Bikes Cumbria traditionally offers a free ‘out-of-hours’ service, transporting blood, samples, medical equipment, records, etc between hospitals.
In addition, it delivers fresh blood and plasma to the GNASS ‘The Pride of Cumbria’ air base, 365 days of the year for use during its own emergency callouts.
Blood Bikes Cumbria volunteers remain on-call for 12-hour shifts, 6pm to 6 am during the week but provide a 24hr service at weekends and bank holidays.
Additional members act as controllers during those shifts, co-ordinating both the on-call volunteers and the daily ‘regular’ runs such as the ‘Blood on Board’ run for GNAAS Cumbria base and the routine delivery between the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven, Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary and Hexham General Hospital, plus smaller hospitals throughout northern Cumbria.
However, the demand on the NHS is increasing daily and as they are now working in partnership with more departments across the NHS as a result of doing so in the direct fight against COVID-19, Blood Bikes Cumbria last week took the decision to step up to extend its on-call service to 24-hours-a-day, 7 days a week.
Spokesperson for Blood Bikes Cumbria said: “We put out the call to our members, asking if there would be enough support to extend our coverage, and we were blown away by the response. Thanks to their support, we now deliver to hospitals from Whitehaven to Hexham, even travelling as far as Newcastle if required. Many of these men and women work, but they all give their time freely to support Blood Bikes Cumbria and the life-saving work that we do.”
The Charity’s work saves the NHS potentially tens of thousands of pounds a year, providing a free frontline service during this global healthcare emergency.
All of the blood bikers have attained advanced riding or driving qualifications, ensuring they can respond in an emergency, in all weather conditions and at any time. Whether rider or controller, each member offers their time for free.
Blood Bikes Cumbria are currently receiving many kind offers from the General Public to help out at this difficult time. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept these offers even if the enquirer has the riding or driving qualifications required; this is due to being unable to carry out any training / familiarisation owing to social distancing.
However, like so many charities, Blood Bikes Cumbria has seen its fundraising activities halted by COVID-19, with events cancelled and collections put on hold.
Spokesperson also added: “Blood Bikes Cumbria’ provide a free medical courier service to the NHS and we rely on donations to maintain / service our fleet, insurance costs etc.
“We are therefore issuing an urgent plea to the public to help us to help the NHS.”
To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/bloodbikes-cumbria or contact their treasurer [email protected]
For more information about Blood Bikes Cumbria, visit our website at www.bloodbikescumbria.org.uk.
