ROTARY CORD BLOOD BANK UPDATE

For the benefit of Rotarians we provide the following detail on our Centennial project.

Construction was completed slightly below budget and on time (except for a delay in completing the extension of the lift up to the new third floor. This was beyond the builder’s control and was due to the effect of the GFC on the OTIS company in USA. Because the original lift was OTIS we apparently had no real choice of supplier of parts.)

Installation of equipment is now proceeding. Costs have been kept very close to the original figures used in our final budget planning. We have received a Matching Grant from the Rotary Foundation to assist with the funding of high tech electronic equipment. When commissioning of the equipment is completed and everything is running satisfactorily the next stage can commence.

This is the certification by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, the government agency charged with ensuring safety and integrity of all health and medical programs and facilities. This is a major challenge for a new facility and it is the experience of the Red Cross Blood Service in working with TGA that will see this process successfully completed. It will take several months and possibly longer, and is a critical step prior to commencing operation.

It will possibly be the middle of next year when the Rotary WA Cord Blood Bank commences operation and starts collecting cord blood from King Edward Memorial Hospital. An education program for indigenous people will commence at about that time.
We plan that the Official Opening will be conducted by HE The Governor, who was, through his Family Trust, a significant donor to the project. Discussions are currently being held with Government House regarding suitable dates.

Further announcements will be made as these steps progress. We plan to have significant publicity for the Official Opening. Last November the then President of Rotary International, Ray Klinginsmith, unveiled a plaque recognising the significance of the project in commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of what has become Rotary International.

Meanwhile the fund-raising appeal is still open! Our undertaking is to provide operational funding for the first four years of operation. We have adequate funding to operate at a limited level of activity, but a further $150,000 will permit a more comprehensive service based entirely in Perth without the possibility of having to transfer some of the bank’s activity to an eastern states cord blood bank.

Thankyou for your generous support to date and for your interest in our Rotary Centennial project. We look forward to your ongoing support.

Full and current details of the project can be obtained from the website: www.rotarywacordblood.org.au
Contact them on: enquiries@rotarywacordblood.org.au
Donations from District 9455 Clubs and Rotarians should be sent to: PDG Peter McKerracher – contact him by: Telephone: (08) 9383 3272, or Email: p.mckerracher@rotarywacordblood.org.au

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