Hospice in the Weald donates ward beds to support training, rehabilitation and overseas care

Hospice upgrade gives a new lease of life to old beds through the Medi Tech Trust

A hospice with deep roots across East Sussex is ensuring its former ward beds continue to make a difference – both locally and overseas – thanks to a partnership with a respected medical charity.

Hospice in the Weald, which supports patients and families across the Weald, is donating its old ward beds to Medi Tech Trust after beginning a major refurbishment programme at its Pembury site.

Giving equipment a second life

As part of the refurbishment, the hospice is upgrading to newer beds that offer greater comfort and flexibility for patients. While the old beds are no longer suitable for hospice care, staff were keen to ensure they could still be put to good use.

That’s where Medi Tech Trust comes in. Based in East Sussex, the award-winning charity specialises in reusing and redistributing medical equipment, as well as providing training and healthcare education in low-income countries.

Through the charity’s medical recycling initiative, Medigive, the donated beds will be carefully refurbished and reused.

Supporting the NHS, communities and hospitals overseas

Bob Lewis, founder of Medi Tech Trust, said the donation will have wide-reaching benefits:

“We are extremely grateful to Hospice in the Weald for their generous donation of hospital beds. Though they no longer suit the purpose of the hospice, they will still have a new lease of life.

Some of the beds will support community causes in the UK, including two colleges training future NHS staff and a community care charity in the West Country. Any remaining beds will be shipped to Democratic Republic of the Congo and Malawi to help re-equip hospitals.”

Local impact during hospice refurbishment

The refurbishment programme will upgrade not just the ward but all patient areas at the hospice’s Pembury site. During the works, in-patients are being cared for at the hospice’s Five Ashes location, which has also recently benefited from improvements.

The Pembury hospice remains open throughout the project for Living Well services, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Work is expected to be completed towards the end of next year.

Richard Wilson, Operations Project Support Manager at Hospice in the Weald, said:

“We are delighted to partner with Medi Tech Trust to ensure these beds can be re-purposed for the benefit of others, extending their life and impact across a range of healthcare and support services.”

A positive example of local collaboration

For communities across Heathfield and the wider Weald, the donation is a strong example of how local organisations can work together sustainably – reducing waste while supporting healthcare training, rehabilitation and patient care both close to home and around the world.

For more information, contact Sue Massey, Communications and PR Manager at Hospice in the Weald, via sue.massey@hospiceintheweald.org.uk or call 07563 382427.