Unwanted hospital equipment saves lives

Despite travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia's private hospitals are helping to save lives by donating unwanted medical supplies and equipment both internationally and at home.

ECG machines, beds, robes and leftover clinical trial supplies are being sent to developing nations and rural regions thanks to a partnership between Ramsay Health Care and a rotary club in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales.

The country's largest private healthcare provider has been working with the Berrima District charity for over a decade to donate and deliver essential supplies – demand for which has grown since the advent of the coronavirus.

"The global pandemic has put pressure on healthcare systems around the world," Ramsay Health Care Australia CEO Carmel Monaghan said.

"We know many smaller nations and rural Australian communities are suffering, so we're proud to be able to help with vital equipment and supplies."

ECG machines are being sent to Afghanistan, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Fiji, as well as Alice Springs and Galiwinku in the Northern Territory.

Patients in the Philippines, Timor-Leste, Sri Lanka and Lebanon will benefit from donated beds.

The equipment has been donated by Ramsay's facilities across Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales.

"While no longer needed by our hospitals, this equipment still has value for many healthcare facilities," Ms Monaghan said.

"The ECG machines, for example, have been replaced with updated models at our hospitals, but they remain in working order and still have the ability to save lives."

Recycling the equipment also ties into Ramsay's award-winning environmental plan, which focuses on reducing waste and finding more sustainable options to create healthier communities.

"I'm pleased to see these supplies and equipment helping people instead of sitting unused or ending up in landfill," Ms Monaghan said.

As well as donating equipment, which is distributed internationally by Medical Aid for Oceania (MAFO), Ramsay also contributes $10,000 annually to help with the rotary club's fundraising for freight and other costs.

"The project continues to benefit enormously from the diverse range of equipment offered by Ramsay Health Care facilities," MAFO Project Manager John Macpherson said.

Read more: Ramsay extends environmental efforts

Read more: Why Ramsay is giving away ECG machines

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