Medequip’s commitment to reduce waste to landfill continues to provide a source of quality equipment which is donated to overseas charities and is making a difference in countries across the world.
When Medequip took over the community equipment services contract in Kent from NRS Healthcare, equipment was identified which was either outdated, no longer suitable to the needs of clients and their carers or beyond economical repair in the UK. Hayleigh Nash, Community Engagement Lead for Kent, set about finding homes for this equipment.
She contacted PhysioNet, a UK charity which checks, repairs and ships donated mobility and disability equipment to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). PhysioNet arranged for a lorry to collect directly from the depot, loading 68 beds, 24 bed rails, 17 mattresses and 100 slings and delivering these to the Ukraine, where they have been well received and put into use.
Hayleigh didn’t stop there. She also identified a number of paediatric products which had been discontinued, making it impossible to replace broken parts or add vital accessories for re-prescription. In these cases, the equipment is offered to charities or hospices as it can still provide a valuable resource to others. These have been donated to Baby Basics Kent, a local charity working with the community and healthcare professionals to provide much needed baby care items for vulnerable families.
Equipment which may no longer reach the standards required for use in the UK has an important role to play in improving conditions for individuals in need elsewhere in the world. Medequip remains committed to identifying these items and ensuring they are passed to charities with the ability to refurbish and deploy them where they are most needed.