Brecon Helps Lions Launch 'Message In A Bottle Scheme'

Packaging specialists from Hay-on-Wye based Brecon Pharmaceuticals Ltd have volunteered their expertise to help local Lions Clubs from Brecon, the Black Mountains and Llandrindod Wells, launch the ‘Message in a Bottle Scheme’ (MIAB) which will help support the emergency services in the area.

The MIAB Scheme is designed to provide the emergency services with quick access to essential patient details when they are called to their home. The information, including medical history and emergency contact details, which is contained in a plastic bottle is then stored in the fridge. Green cross stickers on the fridge door and inside the front door, notify the emergency services that the patient is a member of the scheme and they know they can access the valuable information immediately from inside the fridge.

Brecon Pharmaceuticals was keen to support the Community Project and has donated the 8,000 plastic bottles and lids along with printing an identifier label and the information leaflet, in both English and Welsh, for each kit. Also many of Brecon’s employees have given up their time to support the scheme and have helped put all the kits together in readiness for the Lions to distribute to the public through local surgeries, libraries, chemists and Neighbourhood Watch Schemes.

Lion’s Member Derek White is delighted with the support Brecon has provided. He said, “Brecon have been a tremendous help to the Lions Clubs as they have volunteered their time and resources to help us get all the kits ready for the official launch of the scheme on 13 October. The MIAB kits are free to anyone who would like one, but they will be particularly helpful to the more vulnerable people in the community who may live alone, such as the elderly or single parents. Almost everyone has a fridge and they are usually easy to locate so the emergency services can find the patient’s information quickly and act accordingly.”

Brecon’s Director of Clinical Trials Services Dr Sue Miles said, “We have been delighted to help such a deceptively simple but highly effective community scheme. Our employees are very supportive of the campaign and many have volunteered their time to help put the MIAB kits together. We all wish the Lions every success with this excellent initiative.”

Jim Gamon (Black Mountain Lions), Greig Ross (Brecon Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Derek White (Brecon Lions), Dr Sue Miles (Brecon Pharmaceuticals Ltd) & David Williams (Llandrindod Lions)