Brian Earley, an active member of the Norwich Rotary Club contacted SG&A after receiving a donated handheld X-ray generator which required the services of an RPA to test the unit before it could be taken to a practice in the Ukraine. As part of our charity in the community incentive, SG&A conducted the Critical Examination and Acceptance Test on the X-ray unit free of charge.
Brian became involved in “rescuing” clinical equipment in 2001, he was an Executive Director of a District General Hospital and heard of talk from fellow Rotarians from a different club who had visited south western Ukraine following a devastating flood. He was shown pictures of the devastation, one of which showed a dilapidated patient trolley which, they said, was the only one in the hospital.
The hospital at which Brian was working at the time had just taken delivery of 50 new trolleys, so could donate the old ones which were basic but clean and useable. His fellow Rotarians asked if he would like to accompany them on the next trip, and having jumped at the opportunity, has been involved ever since. Alongside the donation of operating tables and surgical instrumentation, complete dental suites have been installed in locations across Transcarpathian Ukraine where dental services are somewhat basic. The charity also supports medical training and “looks after” a local orphanage. Due to Brian’s continued support the orphanage is now a much nicer place for the children who are receiving much needed education and support.
Brian received most of the donations from NHS hospitals which are replacing their own equipment meaning the old equipment is surplus to requirements whilst still perfectly functional. Notification of donations is through personal contacts and serendipity. The only rule is:- all equipment must be in full working order, undamaged and it is what the practice needs not just what they want.
Although this is a personal project of Brian’s, he is supported through Rotary International and Norwich Rotary club which he has been a member of since relocating to Norfolk in 2016.
The one major problem Brian has now is having to find storage facilities for all the donated equipment!
Below is a letter of thanks from Brian
Brian Earley, Vice President
Rotary Club of Norwich
c/o The George Hotel
10 Arlington Lane
Newmarket Road
NR2 2DA
Rotary International is supporting medical and dental provision in Ukraine, we have delivered many tons of much needed equipment commencing in 2002, including a number of dental suites. All equipment is delivered without any charge what-so-ever, we oversee the installation and visit every year, so we are certain that everything sent is used to help those most in need.
Your support today in checking and certifying a “NOMAD” portable X-Ray without charge is very much appreciated, as your generosity releases funds ensuring we can support more of those in most need, we will, of course, ensure you are kept informed of how the unit is used and how valuable I am sure it will be, to the dental services in the city of Uzhgorod.
Yours sincerely,
Brian Earley JP
If, like us, you would like to help this amazing charity or would like further information please visit https://www.rotaryclubnorwich.co.uk/ or http://www.rotaryinnorwich.co.uk
