LAUNCESTON Rotary recently joined with Cornwall and West Devon Rotary clubs to help with medical care for the people of The Republic of Georgia.
They were responding to an appeal made by Professor Andrew Kingsnorth, a surgeon at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.
Prof Kingsnorth has worked in T'bilisi Georgia and was contacted by Georgian surgeon and ex-colleague who explained that following recent military incursion of his country he had been forced to re-locate his medical unit. There was a desperate need for replacement equipment, with virtually none to carry out operations.
Prof Kingsnorth was able to locate de-commissioned but serviceable equipment within Derriford Hospital but no funds were available to transport the items to T'bilisi. At this point contact was made with Cornwall and West Devon Rotary District which is known for experience in providing medical equipment for less fortunate overseas communities such as Kosavo and Croatia.
Launceston Rotary joined with financing transport of the operating equipment. Liaison between Derriford Hospital and The Republic of Georgia together with handling export procedures was co-ordinated by Rotary District Assistant Governor Barry Kressinger, who is also a member of Launceston Rotary Club.
Prof Kingsnorth commented: "I am well aware of the lack of medical equipment in Georgia and pleased that we Derriford were able to provide equipment that will undoubtedly save lives and improve the quality of life for many. This project would not have been successful without the hard work and financial support of Rotarians such as those in Launceston."