White Knights

Mon, Jul 11th 2016 at 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Tonight's speaker is Andrew Foster from White Knights (Blood Bikes)


Andrew Foster from the Club gave an interesting and insightful talk on this organisation. Blood Bikes are a voluntary organisation which provides a vital role within our Health Service. Between the hours of 7pm and 7am daily, all weekend and on Bank holidays, there is no facility for of out of hours courier transport within the Health Service. If essential blood, drugs or medical supplies are needed to be transported during these times between hospitals, or other health units, Blood Bikes are regularly involved – the alternative would be to redirect an emergency ambulance.

The service that Blood Bikes provide is entirely free to the NHS. The charity raises funds to maintain and develop the organisation. Some of our members were surprised that although the bikes are branded in emergency livery, the bikes are owned and maintained by the charity.

Blood Bike riders are all highly skilled riders and devote time on rota basis to maintain this vital facility. White Knights are members of the National Association of Blood Bikes and frequently have to coordinate activities with other groups when essential medical supplies have to be moved around the country in addition to the regular journeys between hospitals and medical units within Yorkshire.

Andrew Foster said that whilst ‘We would never presume to say that we have saved a life, but we would be very proud to think that we may have made a difference’.  When the difference between life and death in medical emergencies can be counted in short periods of time, ensuring that our doctors and surgeons have the equipment they need promptly is vital. The service that these Blood Bike volunteers provide must surely contribute significantly to the  successful outcome on many occasions.

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