Have you heard of Vet MedAID?
For the last few years I’ve organised personal collections for charities such as WeCare Worldwide, but I recently came across Vet MedAID and thought it was such a fantastic initiative that the veterinary and human healthcare profession needs, so I wanted to give them an All Scrubbed Up Shoutout!
Vet MedAID is a student-led charity and society affiliated with the University of Edinburgh that collect unused and unwanted but viable medical resources from veterinary practices and organisations. They form a branch of their larger sister organisation, Student MedAid who operate on the same basis, only for humans.
By collecting surplus equipment and supplies, they aim to reduce wastage and work towards a more sustainable healthcare system both nationally and globally.
The donations are re-distributed to under-resourced clinics and shelters abroad via vet students attending placements abroad. So far they have worked with charities in Egypt, Ko Samui, India, Portugal, Sri Lanka and Greece, and are hoping to set up more regular postal donations to support clinics affected by COVID-19.
You can get involved by sending unwanted medical equipment such as:
– gauze
– bandages
– suture material
– surgical tools
– swabs
– catheters
– PPE
– infusion sets
– towels
– no medication please
Go check out their website: https://www.studentmedaid.org/vet-branch
– Veterinary practices can register as donor clinics.
– Any vets and RVNs intending to travel can also register as ‘couriers’ to collect and deliver donated equipment to clinics or charities at their destination.
– They are also looking into the possibility of enabling volunteers to cover the costs of individual postage labels, to allow equipment to be delivered abroad. This means generous but time pressed vets and RVNs can still make a huge difference without leaving their clinic.
Currently based in Edinburgh, Vet MedAid have plans to get other vet schools on board, to start their own branches of Vet MedAid.
Spread the word, and get in touch via their social media to be involved – and download this poster for your practice.
Laura Sullivan
All Scrubbed Up Scrub Hats