• developing further the standards of quality assurance at each stage of the Foundation's activities
  
  
• strengthening its Alarm Centre operations
  
  
• strengthening its medical courier services
  
  
• increasing the number of Regional Supply Points (RSPs) throughout the world from 58 to 88
  
  
• increasing the number of countries in which the RSPs are held from 24 to 48

It was with the greatest regret the Trustees accepted the retirement of David Watson, the Foundation's Managing Director, at the Annual General Meeting in August 1999. David played a pivotal role in the formation of the Foundation and, since 1991, his wise counsel, coupled with his deep concern for those of his fellow men exposed to so many health risks overseas, have been an inspiration to his fellow Trustees and members alike. David's invaluable and outstanding contribution has been a major force in developing and enhancing the quality of all the Foundation's activities, essential for the some eight million people currently protected by these services. In paying tribute, the Trustees were grateful to note David has agreed to continue to serve as a Trustee and look forward to being able to benefit from his vast experience for some time to come.

The Trustees have been delighted to welcome Mr Michael F. Gunton FCA as a member of the Management Committee, following his appointment as Company Secretary. Through his company, Michael Gunton Consulting, Mr Gunton manages all the administrative and financial activities of the Foundation and has maintained a close working relationship with the Foundation's auditors for many years.

The availability of properly screened and tested blood throughout the world remains in a parlous state. However, those organisations in Western Europe and the United States, which operate to the highest international standards and which supply the Foundation with blood, continue their support. This demonstration of their continuing confidence in the quality of the Charity's work is greatly appreciated by the Trustees.

The establishment of blood banks in Eastern Europe and the Far East is taking longer to complete than originally planned, but this continues to remain a high priority. The Trustees see these developments as being very important, as calls to the Foundation's Alarm Centres are expected to increase as more organisations join the Foundation to protect their staff with these services.

During 1999, the Foundation's Quality Assurance Manager produced his second Internal Audit Report to the Foundation's Management Committee. This enabled the Trustees to examine the improvements made in 1999 following the recommendations made in the 1998 Report, and also to monitor the current levels of quality throughout the Foundation. This exercise is considered essential, as optimum standards of quality remain a fundamental and most important priority for the Trustees.

One serious problem highlighted during the 1999 Internal Audit was the incorrect grouping of a member's blood by the laboratory providing this essential service for members. In view of the laboratory's response to the Quality Assurance Manager's enquiries when this error was identified, which the Foundation considered to be inadequate, the Trustees cancelled their contract with them. The contract for this vital work has now been placed with another laboratory.

As part of its quality activities, the Foundation holds regular training sessions for the staff of its Alarm Centres and for the trauma trained anaesthetists who act as its couriers, taking the blood from the blood bank to the treating doctor. These training sessions are very important as, apart from handling any emergency as effectively and sympathetically as possible, there are a few countries where particular procedures have to be followed before the importation of blood is allowed. Wherever these countries have been identified, it is the policy of the Foundation for the Trustees to discuss the problems with the National Blood Authority concerned to ensure that when an emergency does occur, the patient is not put at risk by the occurrence of any unnecessary delays.

Members of the Foundation's staff gained considerable experience whilst running simple training programmes in practical Transfusion Management Techniques for Albania and Romania. As a result, the Foundation was able to offer the services of its Clinical Director and Quality Assurance Manager to the Red Cross in 1999, to assist them with their on-the-ground training when setting up a safe but simple on-going blood system in Kosovo.

During the year, five internationally renowned blood transfusion specialists and two senior managers representing corporate members, confirmed their willingness to serve as members of the Foundation's External Audit Committee. They are expected to begin their audit functions during the latter part of the year 2000.

The Trustees were pleased to note a reasonable balance between income and expenditure was maintained in 1999, despite the strengthening of the services provided to members and the loss of several corporate members due to acquisitions and mergers. Overall, in comparison with 1998, gross income fell by 1.1%, but this drop was more than compensated for by a reduction in direct costs and administrative expenses of 1.5%. As a result, the Trustees were very pleased that no increase in the level of annual membership fees was required.

The Foundation's Newsletter, edited by its Clinical Director, continues to attract a good deal of interest from Corporate Medical Officers and Human Resource Directors. Its value as a vehicle in helping to make them aware of some of the risks faced by their expatriate and travelling staff in many parts of the world remains undiminished, as it enables them to make the necessary arrangements for the protection of their staff.

The Foundation's website www.bloodcare.org.uk was launched in a basic format during the year. Detailed pages, each explaining the different facets of the Foundation's activities and services, are being designed and are expected to be added to the site next year.

It is difficult to express, adequately, the appreciation and thanks due to David Watson for the sterling service he has provided to the Foundation up to his retirement; this appreciation and my thanks are also due to all my fellow Trustees and colleagues who, with the generous support of their families, have devoted themselves so wholeheartedly to ensuring the ongoing growth, increasing quality and success of the services being provided by this Charity around the world.