At doctors offices and hospitals it can be a matter of life or death. Supplies must be on hand and ready to handle any emergency. No place isthat more true that at a blood bank.
"It's really critical we get it the same day if it shows up a day latethat starts to cause problems for us," said Clinton Weaver, Cape FearValley Medical Center.
The UPS strike hasn't caused any delays in blood deliveries yet, but hasslowed down shipments of vaccinations to Cumberland County's Health Department.
"Here we tend to anticipate our needs with this being a busy time of yearwe tend to get a lot of our vaccines in advance so we have a bit of asupply," said Julia Kenny, R.N., immunizations clinic.
But with no one sure of just how long the strike will last and manyagencies are using other carriers to bring in blood and other supplies.
"We have so many other carriers we use that we've been able to pick up theslack by using Fed Ex, RPS and other carriers," said Weaver.
"I imagine if it continues the state would make other arrangements forhaving delivery for us they certainly won't see us without it," saidKenny.
For now the strike may cause some delays moving medical supply but won'tcause health care providers to go without.
Many hospitals and medical agencies have been told by UPS and other couriersthat their packages will get priority over any others.
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