Angela Harrison, the Inpatient Team Lead Physiotherapist at Fitzwilliam Hospital, is spearheading a commendable recycling initiative to donate the hospital’s crutches and other reusable patient equipment to PhysioNet, a UK-based charity. This virtually new equipment is often too costly to be reused within the hospital. Instead of letting these items go unused, Angela is supporting their shipment to people in need across various countries including Ghana.
Angela's passion for sustainability is a driving force behind this project. He is committed to supporting Fitzwilliam Hospital’s core value of sustainability, that she and her team hold dear. His dedication to sustainability was further influenced by her two-year post in agriculture, a field that heavily emphasises sustainable practices. Angela's team at Fitzwilliam Hospital are highly supportive of this initiative and understand the importance of recycling and sustainable practices. Each month, Fitzwilliam Hospital has around 40 sets of crutches available for recycling.
Initially, the inspiration for this project came from a Ward Nurse colleague of Angela's, who originates from Ghana and wanted to send crutches to his home country. However, direct shipment wasn’t feasible. This led Angela to research and discover that Ramsay’s sister hospital, Winfield Hospital’s Physiotherapy Department, had successfully collaborated with PhysioNet to recycle their walking aids and sent them to Fiji. Motivated by this, Angela reached out to PhysioNet to start a similar program at Fitzwilliam Hospital.
PhysioNet is a dedicated charity that aids some of the world’s most marginalised communities by supplying surplus or redundant disability equipment from the UK to children and adults in need. Despite making up the world’s largest minority, people with disabilities often face higher rates of deprivation, including food insecurity, poor housing, and inadequate access to healthcare and sanitation. They also incur additional costs for personal support, medical care, or assistive devices.
With the help of enthusiastic volunteers, PhysioNet collects, repairs, and packs medical equipment in the UK to help those less fortunate around the world. The charity collects a wide range of items, from crutches and bed mattresses to occupational therapy equipment.
Since 2009, PhysioNet has reached a significant milestone, loading its 150th consignment to 31 countries as of March 23rd this year. The countries that have benefited from PhysioNet shipments include South Africa, Fiji, Benin, Ghana, Swaziland, Uganda, Moldova, DR Congo, Sri Lanka, Samoa, Tanzania, Zambia, India, Thailand, Bulgaria, Ecuador, Malawi, Syria, Ukraine, Trinidad, Zimbabwe, Romania, Gambia, and Kenya.
The latest collection from Fitzwilliam Hospital includes knee braces, post-operative foot boots, and crutches, which are now on their way to help those in need. Angela Harrison’s leadership in this recycling initiative not only promotes sustainability but also extends a helping hand to less fortunate communities around the globe. It represents a true spirit of compassionate care and environmental stewardship.
