Yorkshire-based physiotherapist Sally Roberts is urging colleagues to support PhysioNet, a registered charity that gives discarded NHS paediatric medical equipment a new lease of life.
Sally is a former chairman of PhysioFirst, the organisation that helps physiotherapists thrive in private practice. She said that PhysioNet, which originated in North Yorkshire, has expanded into other areas and is looking for volunteer physiotherapists. Vacancies currently exist in the Saffron Walden area of Essex (CB11 4PW) and the Gloucestershire Science & Technology Park, Berkeley (GL13 9FB).
Sally said volunteers typically spend a few hours a week checking and/or repairing paediatric equipment before it is sent overseas. There is also a pressing need for a physio or occupational therapist with a background in ordering and pricing paediatric equipment for NHS.
‘We would also like to hear from therapists prepared to travel and train local staff overseas,’ Sally noted. Expenses are paid. A grant from The PPEF [Private Physiotherapy Educational Foundation] has enabled PhysioNet to send a physio to an African country to help train physios there.
If you are interested in these positions and want further information, email: sally.roberts@physiofirst.org.uk
About PhysioNet
PhysioNet: Giving Mobility & Medical Equipment a New Life Worldwide is a UK-based charity that is entirely run by volunteers. The charity collects physiotherapy, mobility, and medical equipment that would otherwise be discarded.
Instead, it is cleaned, repaired, and shipped overseas, changing lives in developing countries and across eastern and central Europe.
In 2017, PhysioNet received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The charity has supplied more than 12,000 complex children’s items, with training provided by volunteer physios.
Achievements include
• Adult disability equipment: more than 20,000 wheelchairs and 58,000 mobility aids (crutches, frames, commodes, shower chairs)
• Medical equipment: more than 12,000 hospital items (beds, trolleys and mattresses), with half going to Ukrainian military hospitals
• Since 2009, PhysioNet has sent 180 shipments to 33 countries, delivering 120,000 items worth £25 million, including 23 consignments to Ukraine
• Helpers needed (Monday mornings, North Yorkshire depot, especially powered wheelchairs)
• ‘Fit and strong’ volunteers (monthly container loadings)
• Drivers (clean licence, charity vans)
Contact Peter Eves on 07369 266732. Email: peter.eves@physionet.org.uk
or Milton Frary on 07765 548196. Email: milton.frary@physionet.or.uk
For more information, go to: www.physionet.org.uk
Facebook: physionet
Image: Shutterstock
