Specialist Transportation for Tissue Services

NHSBT Tissue and Eye Services is the largest multi-tissue banking organisation in the UK and is a significant leader in the development of national and international standards, policies and regulation in the field.

Tissue and Eye Services manages the deceased tissue donation programme where tissues such as eyes, bone, tendons, skin, cartilage, and heart valves are retrieved from donors after death.

Routine practice is for the teams to travel to Hospital mortuaries to facilitate deceased donor tissue donations; however we are changing our working patterns/methods to maximise deceased tissue donation throughout mainland Northern England and North Wales.

Consent for deceased tissue donation is obtained in accordance with the Human Tissue Act (2004) and occurs during the time period following the death of a loved one.

The time consent obtained can impinge on donation as tissue donation must be facilitated within 48 hours following death, donation of eyes must be completed within 24 hours following death.

Therefore a rapid response in the collection of a deceased donor for transportation to the DDF (Dedicated Donor Facility) is vital to ensure donation occurs.

The donors must be transported to the DDF in Liverpool, and must be transported in an appropriate vehicle under strict conditions by the Contractor.

The transport of donors to the DDF must be undertaken within strict timelines which ensure donation occurs within 48 hours.

The maximum time period available is governed by the time the consent is gained therefore reducing the available donation window period and maximum transfer time to NHSBT Liverpool.

Any untoward delay in transportation could result in the loss of donation and tissues.

This impacts on NHSBT’s ability to fulfil its core purpose of helping save and improve patient lives.

The contractor must provide a service to transport donors from hospital mortuaries throughout mainland Northern England and North Wales to the DDF.

Following the tissue donation, return the donor from the DDF to the originating Hospital / Trust mortuary.

Transport must be by road ensuring that the most time and cost effective solution is used for each job.

The contractor must be accredited by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) or a member of a relevant trade association such as the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), British Institute of Funeral Directors (BIFD) or equivalent body and maintain membership for the duration of the contract.

The contractor must be able to provide evidence of current membership and a copy of the most recent inspection report where applicable.

The contractor must be able to facilitate a transfer or return of a donor 24 hours per day, 365 days per year as collections and deliveries may be required outside of normal core working hours (08.30 to 17.00 hours).