News and events around the network this Friday (20/02/09)

[Bob Hatcher]

This week has given us something of a respite and a chance to talk to other organisations.



Both Wessex & Hertfordshire have been contacted by their local "blood bike" Services.



Hertfordshire has made the most progress towards a formal agreement as can be seen below.





Hertfordshire 4x4 Response have had a very productive meeting today with Herts & Beds SERV (http://www.serv.org.uk).



"SERV, also known as "Bloodrunners" carry transfusion blood for Acute hospitals "out of hours" using motorcycles. In normal circumstances a risk assessment is carried out and at tempreatures of 2 deg C or below, the rider will normally switch to a car. Of course in the recent snow, even this was problematic.



So as a result of our meeting, we are to draw up an agreement between us so that SERV riders can be carried by Hertfordshire 4x4 Response members in conditions that might otherwise prevent them carrying out their service.



At present they operate between Collindale and Bedford Hospital, so have to transit Hertfordshire but will soon be operating on behalf on Hospitals in Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City and Luton."



We hope that this agreement will act as a national template.



Throughout the country many teams have seen a surge in recruitment as a result of the publicity from the recent severe weather the new recruits once trained will enable us to give an even better service in the future.