Blood Donor Centre thanks St George’s Trust Company Limited for generous donation

Thursday 2 November 2023: Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) today extends its heartfelt gratitude to St. George’s Trust Company for their donation of $10,000 towards purchasing equipment and supporting blood donation for the Bermuda Blood Donor Centre.

BHB Consultant Haematologist Dr Eyitayo Fakunle commented: “We are deeply grateful to St. George’s Trust Company. This generous donation will enable us to enhance our capabilities and increase awareness around the importance of blood donation. This contribution exemplifies the true spirit of giving, helping us to save lives in Bermuda.”

St. George’s Trust Company Executive Vice President Jason Benevides said: “We are honoured to support the Blood Donor Centre. Blood donation is a selfless act that saves lives. We believe in the power of the community coming together to make a difference.  We hope this contribution will help the staff continue its essential work and inspire others to join in this life-saving endeavour.”

Lucy Correia, RN, a phlebotomist in the Blood Donor Centre, said: “I witness the incredible impact of blood donation first hand. The St. George’s Trust Company’s generous donation will allow us to purchase much-needed equipment and create educational initiatives to raise awareness and encourage more people to become blood donors. Together, we save lives and make a significant difference in our community.”

The Bermuda Blood Donor Centre is located on the first floor of the General Wing at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. The Blood Donor Centre is open Monday to Thursday from 8:30am to 2:30pm, and Friday from 8:30am to 1pm. For information on the eligibility criteria to become a blood donor, please visit www.bermudahospitals.bm/be-a-donor/ or call 236-5067 to make an appointment.

Pictured from left: Betsy Blood Drop, Lucy Correia (Phlebotomy Nurse), Jason Benevides (Executive Vice President from St. George’s Trust Company), Dr Eyitayo Fakunle (BHB Consultant Haematologist), Dawnette Been (Senior Technologist for Blood Donor Centre and Transfusion Services), Kathy Stephens (Department of Pathology Manager), and Alma Lou Polinar Swainson (Phlebotomy Nurse)

BHB awards $130,000 in healthcare scholarships to 13 students

Tuesday 18 July 2023: Bermuda Hospitals Board has awarded a total of $130,000 in scholarship funds to support the education and career development of 13 students pursuing healthcare-related fields.

R. Scott Pearman, deputy CEO, commented: “I want to congratulate each of these students on being selected for a BHB scholarship and joining a proud legacy of over 60 years of BHB sponsored healthcare professionals. BHB’s student scholarships help fulfil our people pillar objective of cultivating local talent to provide community care. These scholarships recognise high achieving students with leadership potential and we are proud to support them.

“BHB is committed to supporting education and fostering excellence in education, and these future healthcare professionals will shape the landscape of healthcare and improve the lives of countless individuals. We look forward to seeing these students contribute to the growth and innovation of healthcare services on the island and address the evolving challenges Bermuda faces in the years to come.”

Angela Fraser-Pitcher, vice president of people, stated: “BHB’s scholarship programme was established to recognise and empower students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the healthcare industry. With funding from Bermuda Hospitals Board and GlaxoSmithKline Insurance Ltd, a Bermuda-based subsidiary of GlaxoSmithKline, the programme aims to facilitate the advancement of these talented individuals and contribute to the future of healthcare.”

The BHB Scholarship recipients for 2023 are:

Jordan Bascome has received a BHB Scholarship of $15,000 for up to one year. Jordan is studying for a doctor of medicine degree at the American University of Antigua College of Medicine.

Dymond DeSilva has received a BHB Scholarship of $15,000 for up to one year. Dymond is studying for a doctor of medicine degree at St. George’s School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies.

Shani Tucker has received a BHB Scholarship of $10,000 for up to one year. Shani is studying for a doctor of medicine degree at St. George’s School of Medicine in Grenada.

Addi Teye-Botchway has received a BHB Scholarship of $12,500 for up to one year. Addi is studying for a doctor of medicine degree at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Addon Teye-Botchway has received a BHB Scholarship of $12,500 for up to one year. Addon is studying for a doctor of medicine degree at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Ceola Wade has received a BHB Scholarship of $15,000 for up to one year. Ceola is studying for a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree at the University of Exeter.

Ronnelle James has received a BHB Scholarship of $15,000 for up to one year. Ronnelle is studying for a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (learning disability) at Glasgow Caledonian University.

Fatima Muhammad has received a BHB Scholarship of $10,000 for up to one year. Fatima is studying for a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at Watts College of Nursing.

Tiontae Thomas-Clarke has received a BHB Scholarship of $5,000 for up to one year. Tiontae is studying for a doctor of nursing practice degree with a concentration in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Jashae Allen-Lamontagne has received a BHB Scholarship of $5,000 for up to one year. Jashae is studying for a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at St. Francis Xavier University.

Keishun Swan has received a BHB Scholarship of $5,000 for up to one year. Keishun is studying for his Bachelor of Engineering degree at the University of Portsmouth.

Harlee Purvey has received a BHB Scholarship of $10,000 for up to one year. Harlee is studying for a Master of Clinical Science degree in communications sciences and disorders speech language pathology at Western University.

GlaxoSmithKline Scholarship

Kristin Steede has received the GlaxoSmithKline Scholarship of $20,000 for up to one year.  Kristin is studying for a doctor of medicine degree at American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in Weston, Florida.

Blood donor raffle winners announced

Thursday 13 July 2023: Two winners were selected from all new and regular blood donors who donated between June 2022 and June 2023, with prizes from Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. Long-time blood donor Mandy Mizibrocky won a night’s stay, and new blood donor Vanessa Daley won a brunch at the hotel.

“On behalf of the entire Blood Donor Centre, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Hamilton Princess & Beach Club for their gracious donation of two prizes,” said Dr Eyitayo Fakunle, consultant haematologist. “This act of generosity not only acknowledges the selfless contributions of our blood donors, but also serves as a source of motivation and encouragement for our community. With these prizes, we can recognise and honour those who make a difference in the lives of others through their commitment to blood donation. Hamilton Princess’ support is invaluable in fostering a culture of giving and saving lives. Thank you for standing by us in our mission to provide life-saving transfusions and promote a healthier future for all.”

“We are very proud to support and encourage blood donation,” said Tim Morrison, general manager of Hamilton Princess. “At Hamilton Princess, we believe in being an active participant in the well-being of our community, and this donation aligns perfectly with our values. We hope these prizes not only bring joy to the recipients but also serve as a reminder of the incredible impact one can make by donating blood.”

Ms Mizibrocky was inspired by her sister’s experience in 2011 to become an active blood donor.

“I recognize the importance of contributing to help those who require blood transfusions and continue to donate regularly,” she said. “It hit home when my sister required a blood transfusion after the birth of her twins. I believe that my contribution can save lives and am grateful for the opportunity to help others.”

Ms Daley is our youngest new blood donor winner.

“As a first-time donor, I was nervous when my school (The Berkeley Institute) visited the Blood Donor Centre,” she said. “The opportunity to become an active donor was a chance for me to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. While my heart raced, I knew that my contribution, no matter how small, could potentially save someone’s life. I encourage everyone to overcome their fears and embrace the incredible blood donation journey.”

The Bermuda Blood Donor Centre is located on the first floor of the General Wing at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. The Blood Donor Centre is open from 8:30am to 2:30pm Monday to Thursday, and Friday from 8:30am to 1pm. For information on the eligibility criteria to become a blood donor, please visit www.bermudahospitals.bm/be-a-donor/ or call 236-5067 to make an appointment.

Pictured from left: Summer Cox (daughter of Mandy Mizbibrocky, blood donor winner), Vanessa Daley (blood donor winner), Dr Eyitayo Fakunle (consultant haematologist), Dr Marva Phillips-Williams (acting chief of pathology), Mandy Mizibrocky (blood donor winner), Tim Morrison (general manager, Hamilton Princess), Alma Lou Polinar-Swainson (phlebotomy nurse), Lucy Correia (phlebotomy nurse), Susan Deverteuil (phlebotomy nurse) and Roydell Neverson (director of operations, Hamilton Princess)

FIL Limited crowned the 10th Corporate Blood Drive Winner

Wednesday 14 June 2023: Bermuda Hospitals Board today congratulates FIL Limited for winning the 10th Corporate Blood Drive. The annual competition included 16 local companies. The competition has every blood donation from an employee or an employee’s friends and family count towards each company’s total.

The winner’s trophy was presented to FIL Limited by Minister of Health the Hon. Kim Wilson JP MP, Chief Medical Officer Dr Ayoola Oyinloye, BHB CEO & President Dr Michael Richmond, Chief of Staff Dr Wesley Miller, and the Bermuda Blood Donor Centre team.

Minister Wilson congratulated the winner and thanked all companies who had been a part of the 10 year competition. “This friendly competition has helped save countless lives in Bermuda. Whether the companies won or not, every donation has made a difference. Truly, every company who has been a part of the competition over the last ten years has helped their employees share the gift of life, and share regularly.”

The sixteen competing companies in this year’s competition were: Ascot Bermuda Limited, Aspen, Axis, Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, Bermuda Airport Authority, Bermuda Monetary Authority, Butterfield and Vallis, Conduit Reinsurance, Fidelity, Fortitude Re, Freisenbruch, Hiscox, Ministry of Public Works, Renaissance Re, Rosewood Tucker’s Point and Sun Life.

Dr Eyitayo Fakunle, consultant haematologist, commented: “As we celebrate the remarkable milestone of our tenth competition, the Corporate Blood Drive stands as a testament to the steadfast spirit of giving. Year after year, the unwavering support of companies in the competition has been instrumental in preserving our blood supplies and safeguarding lives in Bermuda. It helps us deliver about 2,000 transfusions per year through local, voluntary blood donations. We extend our deepest gratitude to all the participants and reserve special congratulations for FIL for achieving the top position in the competition.”

Lucy Correia, nurse phlebotomist at the Blood Donor Centre, expressed her gratitude, saying: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the generous donors and the companies that support us. We want to encourage more companies to consider joining us, as it fosters unity and boosts morale. Each donation has the power to positively impact up to three individuals in Bermuda. There is no greater way to demonstrate support for our community.”

Katrina Nusum, FIL deputy head of office, commented: “At FIL we are deeply committed to supporting blood donations. We must thank our colleagues who have enthusiastically embraced this cause by generously donating blood throughout the year. We acknowledge the bravery it took for some to overcome their initial apprehensions and step forward as donors. Today, they have become regular contributors, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to this important cause. We look forward to competing again next year and retaining the trophy.”

Donors are encouraged to book an appointment with the Bermuda Blood Donor Centre. As a reminder, BHB recently changed its guidelines for people who spent time in the UK, France and certain other countries between 1980 and 1996. (https://bermudahospitals.bm/welcome-back-uk-blood-donation-rule-has-changed/)

Companies wishing to join in the friendly competition should email blood.donation@bhb.bm or call 236-5067.

Welcome back! UK blood donation rule has changed

Monday 5 June 2023: The Bermuda Blood Donor Centre is happy to announce that people who spent time in the UK, France and certain other countries between 1980 and 1996 will now be able to donate. The change comes after research indicated there were negligible risks of transmission through blood donation. The US and Australia ended a similar criteria last year, and Ireland changed in 2019.

This blood donor criteria was initially imposed in 2000. It stopped people donating if they had spent certain amounts of time in the UK and other European countries. This was due to concerns about a potential of exposure to meat from cows with Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy. There is evidence that this can cause variant Creutzfeld-Jakob disease (vCJD) in humans.

“We are following similar decisions made in the US, Australia and Ireland in changing our criteria to accept donors who have spent time in the UK and Europe,” Dr Eyitayo Fakunle, Consultant Haematologist and clinical lead for the Bermuda Blood Donor Centre. “Our primary concern is always safety. Research shows that the risk to patients is negligible from receiving blood products from people who spent time in Europe between 1980 and 1996 and this has been supported by real-world evidence.”

Since it first emerged in 1996, vCJD has affected about 232 people in the world, 178 of whom were in Britain*. Cases in the UK have been declining since 2003, with two cases over the last 10 years in 2013 and 2016. There have never been any cases in Bermuda.

“When cases in the UK peaked around 2000, it was unknown how widespread vCJD was, what the incubation period might be, and what the risks were for transmission via blood transfusion,” explained Dr Fakunle. “The ban was implemented in 2000 out of an abundance of caution because there was no test for the disease, and the risks were not known. We appreciate it has been frustrating for people impacted by the criteria, but we are also sure they understand how the many unknowns at the time meant we had to be cautious.”

Dr Fakunle stressed: “The safety of our blood is always our first consideration. Following extensive published research, we are now confident that we can change this criteria safely. This change has gone through a thorough approval process in Bermuda. On behalf of the whole Bermuda Blood Donor Team, we all look forward to welcoming donors back.”

People who wish to donate can book an appointment by calling 236-5067 or WhatsApp 533-9553.

*Reported figures up to May 2023