Northumbria Blood Bikes (perhaps a GSer in the future!)

[mw3230]

I've been watching this forum for a while and didn't previously join as I don't own a GS - I ride a K1300GT and love it but may well graduate (?) to a GS in the future.

The main reason I've joined is to take the opportunity to try and enlist the help of members in supporting Northumbria Blood Bikes. Formed a little over a year ago the group is close to starting operations (excuse the unintended pun) and really needs as much help as possible. It's a great place to use and develop your riding skills and, like this forum, to meet like minded bikers. You do need to be advanced to ride on jobs but we can help with training to either ROSPA or IAM standards having close links to both organisations. In addition to riders we also need members who will assist with communications, fundraising and publicity. For more information and contact details please visit - www.northumbriabloodbikes.org.uk

It's a great opportunity to give a little back whilst still pursuing our interest in riding

 

[Ex-Call Centre Chimp]

I wish you the best of luck. I'm not sure how sympathetic the hearing on here will be though, sorry. I recall a thread relatively recently questioning the motives of Blood bikers & whether the service was being ethically used by the NHS. I've had a look for the thread but can't find it - sorry.
Either way, good luck & keep up the good work.

 

[Mr K]

Welcome aboard!

 

[kevingrahambutler]

Welcome,,,,,, Good luck you may need it on here,,,,,,, from a local

 

[mw3230]

I wish you the best of luck. I'm not sure how sympathetic the hearing on here will be though, sorry. I recall a thread relatively recently questioning the motives of Blood bikers & whether the service was being ethically used by the NHS. I've had a look for the thread but can't find it - sorry.
Either way, good luck & keep up the good work.

Thanks for the comments. I've had a search and there are a number of threads relating to SERV and Blood Bike groups. in the main the response seems to be positive. Hopefully my post may prompt some riders to consider assisting us. At the moment we have two bikes - an ex police RT and a Pan. They are liveried with blue lights but no sirens (blue light training provided by ex police trainers from the Ridewell organisation, Cleveland). As for the motives of the group members, they are many and varied but in the main the bikers enjoy biking and this is an opportunity to do what we like whilst helping the NHS. Service level agreements with the various hospitals we serve set out the parameters of he service so hopefully that should address anyone's ethical issues

 

[mw3230]

Mods - you moved this into the North West - can it be placed in the North East (which is where Newcastle and Northumbria are located) please

 

[Mr K]

Mods - you moved this into the North West - can it be placed in the North East (which is where Newcastle and Northumbria are located) please

Ye can't get the staff... Hang-on!

 

[Mort]

The was a chap from the Teeside blood bikes who came and gave a talk on this subject at our last lodge meeting, sounds like a very worthwhile scheme. Good luck and keep us updated once you're operational

 

[mw3230]

Northumbria Blood Bikes Open Meeting 12 December 2013


The meeting will be held from 7pm at The Wheatsheaf, Woolsington near to Newcastle Airport. All are welcome. Take this opportunity to meet some members, find out what we are up to (exciting developments are promised by the committee) and join with us in providing to the NHS a free service saving them funds which can be better spent on treatment and care. Whilst riders are required to be qualified to advanced level we can assist with organising training via either the IAM or Rospa route. Non riders are also welcome and can play an important role in supporting the organisation and fund raising

Hopefully see you there!

 

[ymfb]

Good luck

I wish you all the very best. I am a blood biker and my wife is a controller for Serv Wessex, its a great feeling and something that is worthwhile. Whilst there has been a certain amount of negativity from drivers in the blood service the users of the service are extremely pleased. Not only saving money, but often time.

Will you join one of the organisations like SERV or are you going to be completely independent ?

I use an F800GS for my SERV volunteering but started off with my K1300S, other riders use a wide variety of bikes. If you want any advise that I might be able to give feel free to PM me.

 

[mw3230]

I wish you all the very best. I am a blood biker and my wife is a controller for Serv Wessex, its a great feeling and something that is worthwhile. Whilst there has been a certain amount of negativity from drivers in the blood service the users of the service are extremely pleased. Not only saving money, but often time.

Will you join one of the organisations like SERV or are you going to be completely independent ?

I use an F800GS for my SERV volunteering but started off with my K1300S, other riders use a wide variety of bikes. If you want any advise that I might be able to give feel free to PM me.

Northumbria Blood Bikes are affiliated to NABB (National Association of Blood Bikes). Whilst some of our member have expressed interest in using their own bikes the group has taken the decision that riders will use NBB bikes despite the extra fundraising burden this entails. We are currently looking for our third bike and and are sticking to shaft drives as these are viewed as the less maintenance option, although the belt drive of the F800 would fulfil this criterion. Thanks for your good wishes

 

[mw3230]

BLOOD BIKES GOING LIVE!!

A news update - with effect from 3rd February 2014 the Northumbria Blood Bikes are going live and the first 'runs' from Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead are expected to take place. This inaugural shift is the start of operations across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and Durham with Northumberland and Durham and Darlington Trusts expected to commence operations with us in the next two months.

The demand for members - riders and non riders - is increasing so if you can help please visit the website and ask for further information. Riders in the Durham and Darlington areas especially needed. Non advanced riders also welcome as assistance with training to advanced level can be facilitated

The group now has three bikes - an RT, a Pan and an FJR. All are liveried and equipped with blue lights (no sirens). Watch out for them on the roads across the regions and at shows and exhibitions in the coming months

https://www.facebook.com/NorthumbriaBloodBikes

 

[Mark1892]

Were you at Coopers today?

 

[mw3230]

Were you at Coopers today?

No - caravanning in Spain for a while. I know some of the other Blood Bikers were there however

 

[mw3230]

NEW BIKES

Just an update everyone although you may have seen our publicity elsewhere. We have just taken delivery of out first brand new bike - a Triumph Trophy SE and another is on the way. This brings our fleet to a total of 6 bikes (R1200RT, 2 x FJRs, Pan and the two new Trophys). Not bad in the less than two years since the group was formed. We are now working with the Blood Transfusion Service and hospitals from Wansbeck in the north to Darlington Memorial in the south with more to take advantage of our service soon.

New members and helpers welcome