St Jude Hospital is the recipient of a mobile blood bank unit donated by the National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom to the government and people of Saint Lucia.

The donation of the DAF 45 Series, custom built mobile blood bank was made possible through the persistent efforts of the Saint Lucia National Committee in the UK.

The vehicle was officially presented to the hospital during a ceremony held on Wednesday, Aug. 30, at the George Odlum Stadium.

At the ceremony, remarks were made by the Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health Dr. Merlene Fredericks, the Officer in Charge of St Jude Hospital, Dr. Sylvestre Francois, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of St Jude Hospital, Dr. Ulric Mondesir. Remarks were also heard from Mr. Bertram Leon from the Saint Lucia National Committee in the UK. Also in attendance at Wednesday’s ceremony were members of the Saint Lucia International Association.

“This machine is magnificent in its spaciousness, its ad hoc appointment of equipment, and its design build for purpose. We look forward to many years of its productive use,” said Dr. Francois.

The blood bank will be utilized to collect blood from surrounding communities to ensure that St Jude Hospital maintains a constant supply of blood to meet the vital needs of its patients in their treatment.

“I would like to appeal to all healthy Saint Lucians to become voluntary blood donors. It is safe to donate a unit of blood at least once a year. This will ensure that there is blood available to treat accident victims in their time of need. I would like to see shortages of blood become a thing of the past. It is a simple matter to contact the Saint Jude Hospital or Victoria Hospital blood banks to schedule a donation,” Dr. Francois added.

St Jude Hospital is deeply grateful to the Saint Lucia National Committee in the United Kingdom and Mr. Leon, in particular, who began negotiations with the National Health Service of the United Kingdom as far back as 2013 to secure this mobile blood bank on behalf of the hospital.

Saint Lucians are encouraged to donate blood when the mobile blood bank comes to your area. The hospital reminds the public that donating blood saves lives.