Hospital donates supplies to charity Equipment will shipped to help clinics in Africa
University Hospital Wishaw has donated two vans of medical equipment which is no longer fit for use within NHS Lanarkshire to Med Aid.
Med Aid is a social enterprise that provides sustainable medical solutions, advice and training for those working in low to middle income countries.
It accepts a range of donations and will arrange to pick them up.
David Murray, acting orthopaedic service manager, University Hospital Wishaw, said: “I would urge other departments in NHS Lanarkshire that are storing equipment that will not be back in general use, to repurpose and donate what they can for Med Aid; who will rehome it to save lives.
“I worked closely with Med Aid to review equipment we can no longer use and I’m part of the group looking at appropriate storage on the UHW site and how we can reduce the amount stored.
“I’m delighted we’re able to support our colleagues and patients in other countries who don’t have access to the same resources as the NHS does, and I’m really keen to roll out a Lanarkshirewide plan for this.
“Should anyone wish to find out more information or donate to Med Aid, they are welcome to get in touch with me to find out more.”
The items donated included nine trollies, curtains, medical bins, endoscopy cupboards and drug cupboards, with more to follow in the coming weeks.
All of the equipment will make its way to Africa and be used to save people’s lives within their hospitals.
Michael Simpson, acting head of sustainability and environmental management, NHS Lanarkshire, added: “The donation of equipment to Africa is a great example of the principles of circular economy in action.
“Whilst the donated items have reached the end of their useful life in an NHS Lanarkshire, that isn’t to say there isn’t still life left in them.
“Ensuring they are donated and made use of in other healthcare settings ensures a better quality of life for the patients treated in these hospitals and, it is hugely beneficial for the environment by avoiding any unnecessary waste disposal.
“The circular economy is a central part of our developing sustainability and climate change strategy and we will look for further opportunities such as this to share resources and collaborate.”