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Surplus NHS supplies find new life helping those in need

Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust has recently donated a wide range of medical supplies and equipment via Warp it to help people who need it.

The Trust’s Logistics Team ran a successful amnesty, collecting unused or expired medical supplies. Firstly, items suitable for internal reuse within DCHS were identified, supported by Procurement, and re-issued while the rest were redistributed to other NHS Trusts and charities instead of being discarded.

Logistics Team manager Jane Bull and Admin Officer India Ogden-Smith said:

"Through the amnesty we had acquired a wide range of items that were no longer needed at the Trust or had reached their expiry date, from needles, and vaccination supplies to gloves, goggles, and much more. Warp It helps find new homes for these items instead of sending them to waste."

The team organised a vanload of out-of-date medical equipment to go to a community group that supports Ukrainian front-line medical facilities and rescue services. Over 4,700 items were donated to North Norfolk Aid for Ukraine.

Among the donated items were everyday supplies like scrub tops, and obsolete uniforms as well as numerous medical consumables. Everything is being put to good use rather than going to waste.

Matthew Cole, a volunteer with North Norfolk Aid for Ukraine, said:

“We collect and send medical supplies and equipment to help combat paramedics treat both injured soldiers and civilians in Ukraine. These items that can no longer be used in the NHS are now helping people in real need.”

The Warp It system allows the Trust to list, track, manage, and redistribute surplus equipment efficiently. It is hoped future donations could help other charities, like Phoenix Charity, which provides medical care in Africa.

India added:

"Warp It is a fantastic resource and are very proud that these items have been repurposed and will go on to be reused in other medical settings; it’s a brilliant solution for everyone involved and makes much more sense than sending them for disposal. A special thanks to Jayne Kimberley, who recently retired from the Trust. Jayne made the first contact with Matthew at North Norfolk Aid for Ukraine. We are delighted to be continuing her good work."

The impact of reusing with Warp-It is significant. Since its implementation, reusing items and removing the need to buy new, the Trust has saved 165,318 kg of carbon, avoided 27,878 kg of waste, and saved an indicative £111,818. This is equivalent to taking 71 cars off the road and planting 226 trees.

The Trust is now planning to build on this success.  It is actively working to eliminate surplus stock, but where it is identified, to ensure it is reused and redistributed appropriately, sustainably and compliantly to those who can make use of it.

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Jennifer Clair Robson

Jennifer Clair Robson

Writing to make a difference because climate change, sustainability and the environment are issues close to my heart.

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