In today's interconnected world, businesses are increasingly sending their employees to remote locations across the globe. Whilst many destinations offer medical facilities comparable to those in the UK, countless regions struggle to maintain the high standards of healthcare we take for granted. This disparity in medical infrastructure presents a significant challenge for organisations with an international footprint - particularly when it comes to accessing safe, screened blood in emergencies.
The Blood Care Foundation (BCF) addresses this critical need through its corporate membership programme, offering organisations peace of mind by ensuring their employees have access to emergency blood supplies anywhere in the world.
A Legacy of Excellence
Since its inception in the late 1980s, with invaluable support from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence, BCF has transformed the landscape of emergency blood services. What began as a seemingly impossible mission - establishing an international blood transportation network - first proved its worth through a pioneering blood bank in Lagos, Nigeria. This success quickly garnered overwhelming support from both expatriate and local medical communities.
How the Service Works
When a medical emergency strikes, every minute counts. BCF's alarm centre operates with precisely this understanding. Upon receiving a confirmed call from a member or attending physician, the Foundation springs into action, coordinating with the nearest blood bank in its international network. Screened blood is dispatched via the next available scheduled flight, packaged to rigorous international standards that maintain optimal temperature conditions (2-10°C) for up to 36 hours or longer.
Comprehensive Coverage
BCF's service extends beyond emergency blood supplies. The Foundation maintains its own stock of Human Rabies Immunoglobulin and rabies vaccine in London for immediate dispatch - a crucial service given the challenges of obtaining these supplies in many parts of the world.
Quality Assurance
Rather than collecting or processing blood directly, BCF partners with internationally renowned institutions:
The Swiss Red Cross in Bern
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) in the UK
OneBood in St Petersburg, Florida (an accredited member of the American Association of Blood Banks)
These partnerships ensure that all blood products meet the highest international standards for safety and quality.
Moving Beyond the 'Walking Blood Bank'
Historically, organisations operating in regions with unreliable blood supplies relied on 'walking blood banks' - panels of pre-screened donors ready to give blood in emergencies. However, this approach is now considered outdated and potentially hazardous by the American Association of Blood Banks. BCF's service offers a modern, reliable alternative that meets all international safety standards.
Corporate Membership Structure
BCF offers flexible corporate membership packages to accommodate organisations of varying sizes:
Up to 25 members: £1,000 per annum
Up to 50 members: £1,695 per annum
Up to 100 members: £2,650 per annum
Up to 250 members: £4,400 per annum
Up to 500 members: £5,750 per annum
Up to 1,000 members: $8,500 per annum
Over 1,000 members: Price on application
Why Your Company Needs BCF Membership
In an era where duty of care towards employees is paramount, BCF corporate membership represents a crucial component of any organisation's risk management strategy. With approximately 30 PLCs and thousands of individuals already benefiting from the service, BCF has demonstrated its ability to deliver when conventional healthcare infrastructure falls short.
The Foundation's track record of successful emergency interventions worldwide speaks to its effectiveness. Whether your employees are stationed in remote locations or frequently travel internationally, BCF membership provides the assurance that in critical situations, safe blood supplies are just a phone call away.
For organisations serious about protecting their international workforce, BCF corporate membership isn't merely an option - it's an essential safeguard ensuring that employees have access to life-saving blood supplies wherever their work takes them.
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