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In This Issue:
Marikim Wolter Bunnell, MD, knows firsthand the dire needs of struggling hospitals throughout Latin America.
“We forget that there are places in the world that rewash their disposable gloves because they don’t have enough,” said Bunnell, a BWH obstetrician and gynecologist who has visited and volunteered in hospitals in many developing countries.
Now, Bunnell is working with Environmental Services and BWHers from many departments to do something about it. Last month, Bunnell and Salvador Jimenez, Tony Genao and Angel Colon of Environmental Services arranged to have gently used stretchers from the PACU sent to Hospital Nuestra Senora de Regla in the Dominican Republic city of Bani.
The team worked with IMEC, the International Medical Equipment Collaborative, a nonprofit organization based in North Andover that packs and ships donated medical equipment through organizations and doctors working overseas.
“Struggling hospitals and clinics are in desperate need of basic items including beds, exam tables, office furniture, computers, linens, textbooks, virtually anything you can find in a hospital that doesn’t require complicated electrical services,” said Bunnell, who collected used supplies in her garage before she began working with IMEC. “Imagine what could happen if our supplies could find new life and save a life overseas where the needs are so great.”
A drop area for donated small equipment from the operating rooms is located in Labor and Delivery. Departments can contact Bunnell for advice on setting up drop areas or contact IMEC directly to learn more about donating and shipping supplies that are being replaced by BWH.
“It’s our responsibility to recycle and reuse everything we possibly can,” she said. “What better place to give your old supplies than a hospital overseas.”