Liberal Democrat leader thanks Citysprint for saving lives

4.25.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 9th Oct 2009

Today Liberal Democrat Councillor Stephanie Eaton was given a tour of Citysprint in Limehouse to see the operation of their high tech medical service which ensures the safe delivery of medical supplies including blood, human organs and vaccines around the world.

Speaking afterwards, Councillor Eaton said: "I am really impressed at the organisation, care, technology and the human ingenuity that is involved in moving body parts, pharmaceuticals and vaccines around the world. This is really important work: the surgeon can't operate unless the organ or blood gets there in time, and the clinicians need the drugs and vaccines to save lives. Citysprint are doing a fantastic job, and I am very pleased we have them doing this vital work from Tower Hamlets"

During the visit Councillor Eaton was shown the way in which Citysprint manages the transportation of tissues for diagnosis and testing. She followed the process through from pickup at hospital to short term storage at the Citysprint facility, and onward transport to the laboratory. She was told about the systems to ensure that organs for transplantation are delivered in time to save lives, and the way an item such as a tiny mouse femur would require complex paperwork for an international delivery.

Councillor Eaton said "I was fascinated by the complexity of the logistical operation to get medical supplies moved around London, the UK and the world. Thanks to Joe Lawrence and his team for showing me around and explaining their work."