Peter Fox MS, met with the volunteer charity Blood Bikes Wales at their Cwmbran depot to learn about their free NHS courier service which delivers samples, medicines, human milk, surgical supplies, and documents.
Affiliated with the Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes, the Wales group delivers between hospitals, health boards and even cross-border medical facilities at no charge to the settings, 365 days of the year.
Despite their evident skills, the team currently lacks an agreement to transport blood from the Welsh Blood Service. Nonetheless, they will continue their efforts to advocate for organisations to consider utilising their services.
After the visit, Peter said:
“Blood Bikes are an absolute asset to our NHS, in a time where we see Health Boards having to tighten their belts, this service is vital in reducing public funds wasted on costly taxis.”
“I would like to thank the excellent volunteers that took the time to show me around and commend the whole service fleet for dedicating their time to help people across Wales.”
Commenting on the future priorities for Blood Bikes Wales, chairman Nigel Ward stated:
“Like most charities we can struggle to find volunteers to give their time for free. But one of our biggest challenges is that a lot of people, even in our NHS do not know we exist, are all volunteers, or provide our service for free.”
“ It's a lovely thing to be able to say and do, but we want our NHS to know we are here, on the end of the phone, ready to help, and proud to be part of a network of Blood Bike volunteers that reaches all parts of the United Kingdom.”
