RBWH donates 197 hospital beds to Papua New Guinea

Dr Ken Thistlethwaite and NUM Emma are collaborating to get the 197 beds to Papua New Guinea.

RBWH Medical Director of Hyperbaric Medicine, Dr Ken Thistlethwaite, has a special connection with Papua New Guinea after growing up in the country as a child.

He now takes regular holidays there which he utilises to help immunise the local children, and to bring them school supplies.

“As much as it’s a holiday, it’s also a great opportunity to provide vital healthcare to local children, and conduct health checks on any adults who have concerns. We always bring things like goggles, rulers and activities for the children,” Ken said.

During his visits, Dr Ken couldn’t help but notice the need for medical equipment, especially in the remote villages where they had hospital facilities but little to no infrastructure.

After engaging with various staff members at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and with the help of Clinical Equipment Loan Service Nurse Unit Manager Emma who manages the hospital equipment, the pair are organising for 197 beds that are no longer in use to be shipped over to Papua New Guinea.

“At the moment patients are being treated on woven mats on the floor, so these beds are going to make a huge difference to their care,” Ken said.

“The French Navy are offering their help in getting the beds there, everyone is pitching in – they will be so grateful.”