Working group to help improve global medical donations

Kids Operating Room are delighted to be involved in a new working group, involving the NHS & The Scottish Government, bidding to improve the global healthcare donation system.

Did you know that 70% of donated medical equipment never gets put to its intended use?

This results in an obvious shortfall in usable equipment for low- and middle-income countries, but the wasted resources also become a burden for the receiving country.The issue has become more prominent recently, thanks in part to an acknowledgement from the World Health Organisation.The 'Short Life Working Group' is chaired by our CEO David Cunningham, and aims to ensure Scotland is at the forefront of best practice.The Group has put together a 10 step journey, identifying solutions for common issues found to be prominent in the current donation system. You can read the guide below.

“Scotland aims to be a good global citizen with our expertise already helping support care for patients around the world. Safely donated medical equipment can be an important part of that, but dealing with donated goods comes with risks and difficulties."The 10 Step Guide will make sure we are at the forefront of best practice where the donation of equipment can be done safely and effectively. It will also encourage potential donors to consider alternative forms of support where this is more appropriate.” Professor Sir Gregor Smith, Chief Medical Officer for Scotland.

David Cunningham, Chief Executive at Kids Operating Room said, “Donated medical equipment is often at the heart of patient care in many hospitals across LMIC and Scotland is leading the way on this global issue.Safely donated medical equipment can save lives and give health professionals the tools they need to deliver quality care however, it can be complex and dealing with donated goods comes with risks for both the donor and recipient“The newly published 10 Step Guide provides a clear roadmap through the important considerations for a safe and effective donation.“The guide will support anyone wishing to donate equipment to a low-resource setting, helping ensure that, especially as the pandemic moves behind us, Scotland can continue to support our friends and partners around the world in the safest way possible.”

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