Provision of Donor Cards for Welsh Blood Service

Descriptions

In recognition of donor’s support and contribution to saving lives in Wales, whole blood and platelet donors receive Blood Donor Cards at specific milestones in their donation careers.• 1 – 4 Donations Blue & Red Card• 5 - 9 Donations Orange and Red Card• 10 - 24 Donations Bronze and Red Card• 25 - 49 Donations Silver and Red Card• 50 - 74 Donations Gold and Red Card• 75 - 99 Donations Gold Card• 100+ Donations Platinum CardIn addition, we currently supply a small number of patient cards for antenatal patients via our Patient Diagnostic Service.Key fob cards have grown in popularity over the last couple of years and due to their convenience for end customers, are utilised by many commercial outlets and leisure facilities. There is also evidence to suggest that these can increase the uptake of schemes and programmes, ultimately benefiting both the card scheme provider and the end customer. It is proposed that separate integrated key fob cards are included in the new donor card contract as these are viewed as a good retention tool as they will act as a reminder to donors. There is also an expectation that they will support improved efficiencies at clinics, as donors will be more likely to have the key fob card available for scanning at clinic registration.Bone Marrow volunteers do not receive an individual card; however, it is intended to integrate Bone Marrow volunteers with the whole blood and platelet donor cards in the future. Timelines on this integration have not been identified, however this may be implemented within the duration of this contract.The service issues approximately 240 patient antibody cards per annum, these will be required until implementation of All Wales LIMS system expected 2018, at which point requirement for Antibody cards will cease.The current demand for whole blood and platelet cards is 25,000 cards per annum, this is expected to increase up to an additional 4000 per annum with the inclusion of Bone Marrow Volunteers into the cardschedule.Under the contract, the supplier is required to deliver the production of all cards and supporting literature and manage the package and distribution of cards either direct to donors or to addresses as specified by the Welsh Blood Service.