Highlands and Islands Blood Bikes charity 'not involved' in A9 medical bag incident
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The motorcycle charity Highlands and Islands Blood Bikes (HAIBB) has issued a statement insisting it was not transporting the medical bag containing coronavirus test samples found beside the A9 this week.
After the bag was found on Monday night, NHS Highland launched an investigation but emphasised there had been no risk to the wider community.
Announcing changes to the way specimen bags will be transported in the future, the health board also confirmed the samples were being transported from Wick to Inverness by an NHS Highland vehicle.
HAIBB, a charity that couriers vital medical supplies and samples free of charge for the NHS, has now issued its own statement which it said was in response to comments on social media and feedback to members.
A spokesman said the HAIBB board was "deeply concerned" that it had been incorrectly associated with the incident.
"We can categorically state that HAIBB were not involved in this matter and did not drop a sample by the side of the road," he said.
"HAIBB pride ourselves in what we do, a charity, 100 per cent volunteers and 100 per cent free to the NHS.
"We have a great team running our operations. All our volunteers are fully trained and systems are in place to ensure we operate to a high standard. This includes how to handle and store samples for safe transit, and an audit of samples received and delivered.
"Since our operations began in March we have expanded and adapted to meet the demands placed upon us, especially in a pandemic environment, and we have a 100 per cent record of getting a sample to its destination.
We can categorically state that HAIBB did not drop a sample by the side of the road.
"As our service continues apace, the board of HAIBB would like to reassure all of our members, supporters, those who donate and sponsor that what you do is vital to the life of the charity.
"We hope this clarifies our position on this matter and that we can continue to rely on your very valued contributions."
Last month it was announced that HAIBB had received a £10,000 grant from Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd. The cash would enable the charity to establish a permanent presence in Caithness, speeding up the turnaround times for samples such as Covid-19 tests between hospitals and healthcare facilities in the north Highlands and the medical laboratories at Raigmore.
