New Treatment for Persistent Infections Provided by University of Birmingham Microbiome Treatment Centre
On Thursday 23 May, 2024, a patient on the Isle of Wight faced a difficult situation when locally available antibiotics failed to provide relief for a persistent infection. Fortunately, the University of Birmingham Microbiome Treatment Centre was able to offer a solution using donor materials.
However, the material used in this treatment has an extremely short shelf life, posing a challenge for transportation to the Isle of Wight. In response, Civil Air Support (CAS) and regional Blood Bike groups stepped in to provide the necessary logistical support, human resources, and equipment at no cost.
CAS Operations Manager Tim Bennett coordinated the collection of the sample from the MTC, which was then delivered to Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport by Shropshire Blood Bikes. CAS Pilot Rob Devey, flying a TBM 960 capable of cruising at speeds up to 330 knots and rated for flight in any weather conditions, was chosen to transport the critical sample to the Isle of Wight.
With Bennett as an observer, Devey flew from Lee on Solent to Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green in just 37 minutes. The sample was then handed over to Blood Bikes rider Bill Rooney before Devey departed immediately for Bembridge airport on the Isle of Wight.
The flight, aided by a traffic information service and a smooth handover between Air Traffic Controllers at Brize Norton and Farnborough, took just 34 minutes to reach Bembridge. The Isle of Wight NHS Trust medical team was waiting for the arrival of the flight, and expressed their gratitude for the unique value of the contribution made by the CAS and Blood Bikes team.
A representative from the trust stated, “Without the help of Rob’s crew, CAS, and Blood Bikes, we would simply have no way of getting the material to the patient before it expires. We are extremely grateful for their assistance in organizing and carrying out the transport.”
CAS would also like to extend thanks to Tony Hall at Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green airport, as well as the owners of Bembridge and Lee on Solent airports, for waiving all landing and handling charges for the mission flight.
This new treatment for persistent infections highlights the important partnerships and resources available through organizations like the University of Birmingham Microbiome Treatment Centre, Civil Air Support, and Blood Bikes.
