The Liverpool print department was initially introduced to the National Blood Services as part of the publicity department in 1992. However, in 1998, the re-organising of the Liverpool Blood centre, led to the facilities department taking control of printing.

The need to provide a more immediate and accurate print service than the outsourced version became necessary when recruitment materials were provided giving misleading or innacurate information and occasionally too late to be used anyway.

During the first few years, much of the printing was basic, but as the needs of the centre grew, so did the skills of the printing department.

The department as it is today provides much of the printing needs for Liverpool, Lancaster and North Wales, specialising in shortrun printing onto various sorts of media, such as N.B.S. documents to promotional garments (TMT).

The department has had use of TheMagicTouch press for a few years, printing mainly T-shirts for open days and Blood Service days, etc. After having an in-depth conversation with Howard Roberts (Head of Print Department) approximately 6 months ago about the MagiCut System, he was keen to see the machine in operation and an appointment was made.

At the appointment, it was remarked that the department currently have their company logo printed onto Blood Transport bags from an outside source and it would be a big bonus if the MagiCut System could be tested on their blood bags. Tests revealed that this was possible and the logos actually looked better than their current suppliers.

This is still in the early stages but Howard is confident that with the extensive training available from TheMagicTouch, he will be able to print all goods within his own department.

Machines within department

• G4 Power Mac linked to Ricoh Aficio via EFi Fiery RIP
• Dell Optiplex GX1 linked to Risograph 3750
• Mac Performa 630 linked to Risograph 3750
• Dell Optiplex GN+ linked to MagiCut 2000
• Eagle 65 A1 Laminator
• ProImage Poster Maker
• Adkins Manual Flatbed heat press