Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) yesterday introduced the largest blood donation mobile unit in the region. The RV (recreational vehicle) style blood collection unit, donated by Qatar Power, has been manufactured in the USA, with the HMC supervising its making. The 12.2-metre-long vehicle is all set to meet requirements of field campaigns regularly launched by Blood Donor Units.. “The new mobile blood donor unit is a practical reflection of the nation’s efforts to facilitate blood collection services,” said Dr Latifa Al Houti, HMC Chairperson, inaugurating the new unit. “Blood donation unit help us in saving lives and highlights the interest of Qatar to preserve the health and safety of individuals and the prosperity of it’s community. 17,360 units of blood were donated last year, benefitting thousands of patients,” she said in the presence of Abdel Sattar Mohammad Al Rashid, Executive Director of Qatar Power and other senior HMC officials. The new mobile blood donor unit is considered the latest, largest self-integral vehicle designed for blood collection in the region. “The new unit is equipped with a 378-litre fuel tank to provide to both the engines and generators and allows for a 900-kilometer range. To provide sufficient electrical power, two 10 kilowatt diesel generators were installed in specially designed sound proof compartments. Large storage compartments below the chassis are insulated to protect the contents of the medical equipment and blood stock from extreme temperatures,” said Sadiqa Ismail Al Mahmoudi, Blood Donor Unit Supervisor. “Dual entry doors with electric folding steps provide separate access to the interior for both the crew and blood donors, in addition to dual electric operated awnings providing shade over the entrance. The interior is cooled by three independent air conditioning units,” Al Mahmoudi said. The interior width is 249 cm and 208 cm high; flooring is anti-skid rubber for increased safety for the unit’s crew and blood donors. The highly advanced blood donor unit will allow for the reception of a considerable number of blood donors as the vehicle contains six private donor stations, each equipped with a world-class, electrically motorised reclining donor bed, in addition to an LCD television screen, which allows the donor to view educative and entertainment programs while donating blood. http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local%5FNews&subsection=Qatar+News&month=April2009&file=Local_News2009040621752.xml

Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar