The Blood Care Foundation
A charitable organisation dedicated to the provision of screened blood and resuscitation fluids in countries where these are not readily available
What is the Blood Care Foundation?
The Blood Care Foundation (BCF) is a charitable Company registered in England and Wales whose purpose is to make fully screened blood available to its members anywhere in the world.
Does BCF provide blood in all situations?
No. Only in emergency situations where the treating doctor in consultation with the BCF doctor agree that the blood is necessary and that local blood supplies may not be reliable.
Will all my needs for blood transfusions be met?
Yes, but you must remember the Foundation only provides blood for unexpected needs – such as a bad accident or sudden internal bleeding. The Foundation does not provide blood for elective surgery, nor to personals having a history of chronic blood disorders or diseases. Attempted suicide or self inflicted injury, war or nuclear risks are not covered either, nor are persons in active service in the armed forces of any nation or persons who require blood as a result of engaging in hazardous pursuits. The Foundation does not protect persons who travel against their doctor's advice and whilst it is happy to cover expectant mothers, it does not do so beyond the 24th week of pregnancy.
How is the blood taken to the patient?
The Foundation couriers the blood from one of their approved blood banks throughout the world to the nearest scheduled airline airstrip to the patient.
What if I am in a very remote spot?
We strongly recommend that you obtain emergency medical assistance protection. In an emergency the Foundation will work with your assistance company so that the blood will be brought to you or you will be evacuated to a place where you can obtain proper treatment.
Do I have to pay for any blood supplies which might be provided?
No – The Foundation is a Charity and no charge will be made.
What do I do if I need blood?
You (or a person acting on your behalf) are asked to telephone the Foundation's Alarm Centre in Geneva, Switzerland and provide the following information: Member's name, location, blood group and membership details; Caller's name, location, telephone, fax and telex numbers.
Facilities and Services
Blood Courier Service
The Blood Care Foundation operates a specialist courier service worldwide, designed to ensure the rapid, safe and secure delivery of blood in an emergency. This service operates through permanently manned alarm centres worldwide.
Blood Banks
Screened blood is supplied to a global network of Blood Banks, all of which are maintained at the highest possible standard. The blood originates from internationally renowned sources in Western Europe. The Foundation's Satellite Blood Banks receive screened blood every month, or more frequently if required. Unused supplies are donated to local hospitals.
Regional Supply Point Network
Based on its own operating experience and on the advice of its medical specialists, the Foundation is currently establishing an integrated network of Supply Points in areas where screened blood may not be readily available. These Supply Points hold stocks of essential lifesaving resuscitation fluids backed up by the Foundation's blood courier service. They are also equipped with the sterile equipment needed for transfusion purposes as well as up-country emergency medical packs.
The establishment of Supply Points in East and West Africa is being followed by similar networks in other strategic areas of the African Continent as well as in Asia, Eastern Europe, the Near, Middle and Far East and Central and South America. Ultimately, the Foundation intents to provide a worldwide network of some 600 Regional Supply Points, but its immediate target is to establish the first 250 in those places in the world which are, at present, the most vulnerable.
The Blood Care Programme
The facilities and services offered by The Blood Care Foundation are available through membership of its Blood Care Programme. Different categories of membership exist to meet the particular requirements of individuals, families, corporations, medical insurance companies, travel clinics and the travel industry.
Full Membership
Everyone is welcome to apply for Blood Care Programme membership. The Foundation relies on the Registration and Membership fees it receives to finance the provision and maintenance of its blood banks and Regional Supply Point network.
Benefits of membership include:
- Registration and provision of a personal membership card
- Access to the BCF Alarm Centre network
- Access to the BCF Regional Supply Point network
- Provision of screened blood and access to sterile transfusion equipment in an emergency
- Provision, by one of our medical consultants in Transfusion Medicine, of advice to your treating doctor should a difficult transfusion problem arise
- Costs of transporting the screened blood to your treating doctor
Registration Fee
£30.00 per person. This one-time additional fee, which only applies to Full Membership, is not subject to family or group discounts.
Annual Fees
Annual Membership Fees of the Blood Care Programme are:
- Member: £36.00
- Spouse: £30.00
- Each Child (under 18): £18.00
Group Discounts
The Annual Fees are subject to the following group discounts, which apply to families, employees in a company or to members of an association:
- 5-10 persons: 5%
- 11-24 persons: 10%
- 25-99 persons: 15%
- 100+ persons: 20%
The Stamp Programme
If you are taking a short-term business trip, or are going on holiday, the Foundation can offer you membership to protect you during the time you are away. The benefits you receive are identical to those of Full Membership, with the exception that you will receive a stamp to place on your travel documents, instead of receiving a membership card. It is essential you retain the stamp during your trip as this carries your dates of membership and the Alarm Centre contact details. Stamp Membership may also be taken out by fax, in which case a faxed confirmation of membership will replace the stamp.
Stamp Membership Fees
- Individual: £8.50 for one month
- Individual: £45.00 for one year
- Family (includes member, spouse and 2 children under 18): £110.00 for one year
- Additional child: £12.00 for one year
Learn more about The Blood Care Foundation from their website.
