_ Managing the blood supply chain.

Today (28th December 2011) the BBC has run an article titled “Blood Bank “Perfect Storm” Threat for 2012".   It argues that blood stocks in the UK may be hit by the Olympics, Queens Diamond Jubilee and other events this year.  This is due to a potential drop in donations.   For many years I have had the privilege of working on the blood supply chain supporting NHS Blood Stocks Management Scheme, so it seems appropriate to look at the blood supply chain and understand this threat and what we can do to avoid it.