Blood runners doubling up on jobs to save fuel
Serv Wessex say their fuel costs have shot up to £1,000 per month
Dorset and Hampshire blood runners are facing monumental bills while delivering essential medical supplies because of the rising cost of fuel.
Bosses are warning if it goes on too long, or if fuel gets too expensive they may need to stop some services. Its fuel costs recently rose to around £1,000 per month.
Serv Wessex, who are based in Waterlooville, deliver blood, emergency medication and human milk across Dorset, Hampshire and South Wiltshire.
This month alone the charity has amassed a total of 185 runs, most of which are done by volunteers using their own vehicles, paying for their own fuel. Around 22% of journeys aren't done by volunteers.
Robert Smith runs the charity. He said:
"Our dispatchers who look after the riders and drivers when they're out, they're having to stack jobs and double up on the jobs to try and keep the mileage down for our volunteers."
Runners often relay deliveries to other blood bikers. But when other services are strained Serv Wessex sometimes asks their volunteers to go the whole way.
"The impact will be that we have to cut down on the service we provide and cut down on the days we operate. Currently, we're operating 24 hours on bank holidays and weekends, and we offer an out-of-hours service through 7-6 during the week."
The charity has started offering to pay 20p for every mile over 100 miles to help volunteers cope with the cost. So far very few people have taken the charity up on it.
Robert added:
"We all joined up and knew what the score was and want to help the NHS. But there's no stigma with those who need to claim.
"When I first started seven years ago it didn't even matter if I put a tank of fuel in my bike. Some drivers are using their own cars, obviously bikes do a lot more mileage. But, it's not just only the fuel, on a motorcycle we're probably only getting 5,000 miles out of a set of tyres because it's all on motorways and dual carriageways.
"We're being affected not only by fuel but the whole cost of living crisis."
The charity says it is always on the lookout for volunteers. You can find out more here.