New Blood Donor Vehicles Launched Across Scotland

A new range of innovative donor vehicles will be put to work across Scotland, it was announced today - World Blood Donor Day.

The new Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service range will see six new vehicles hit the streets to help meet the need for donations and will include:

• 'The Blue Light' - a winter-weather busting emergency response 4x4 vehicle which will deliver supplies at very short notice
• 'The Bloodmobile' - a full mobile donor centre. The new design will ensure donor comfort and help to make the collection process more efficient
• 'The Nifty' - a 24-seat BMC coach that will be used to transport staff around the country to donation venues

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "It is incredibly important that the health service continues to have adequate supplies of blood to help save lives.

"The Bloodmobile can travel to workplaces, communities and areas where a traditional collection venue not available - making it easier for people across Scotland to give blood.

She continued: "Last winter saw transfusion service staff battle through the heaviest snowfall seen in Scotland for more than 40 years to make sure our NHS had sufficient supplies. This winter, our new 4x4 vehicles will be ready to make sure emergency supplies can get to where they are needed, when they are needed, whatever the weather.

"I encourage everyone to please give blood if they can. We know that we need 65,000 new donors to come forward this year. I would encourage those who have never donated or not given in a while to give blood at least once this year."

The SNBTS National Director, Keith Thompson, said: "This is an important investment for the future, securing a high quality of care for donors and patients in Scotland.

"The vehicles will reduce manual handling, improve the environment for both donors and staff, increase efficiency and have been designed to take into account future advances in blood collection."

(BMcN/GK)