DHU Healthcare’s Urgent and Emergency Care Teams in Leicestershire and Derbyshire have ensured old pieces of life-saving kit have been given a second lease of life in Ukraine.
Defibrillation units, walking aids and wheelchairs that have outgrown their lives at DHU but are still perfectly usable, have been sent via recognised charities to war affected areas to help save lives and treat the wounded. They have already arrived (see above) and being used to make that difference to people's lives.
These items are regularly checked and given a pre-determined lifespan as part of a rolling upgrade programme that ensures we maintain quality standards and that our medical kits are always up to date.
Making a human impacy
Carl Keeble is one of DHU’s Resuscitation Officers and an Advanced Clinical Trainer, said: “It doesn’t seem right that these pieces of equipment can still make a difference to people and we have donated such items overseas before, to treat civilian and military personnel across the country.
“As a community interest company with social responsibilities, going through the expense and environmental impact of disposing of them when there is a way we can make a human impact seems like the right thing to do. Last year’s donation was very well received and we know that this year’s gesture will have just as much of an impact."
The units were sent to Ukraine through the charities Walesby Forest and are already being put to use on the front line and other areas of the Ukraine where medical resources such as these are scarce and often needed at short notice.
Carl added: “I’m so pleased that we’ve been able to help in this way and will continue to work with charities in this way to give out of date, obsolete equipment that is still in good working order a second lease of life.”