U.S. doctors donate medical equipment to K.H.M.H.

According to the K.H.M.H., the team has donated a cell-saver machine that allows the collection and return of a patient’s blood, which would come in very handy in the Emergency Room. This machine valued at forty thousand U.S. dollars was used in the scoliosis case. A company called Amedica also donated instruments and implants valued at one hundred thousand US dollars to the program.  C.E.O., Francis Gary Longsworth, says the machine cell-saver has many applications that the K.H.M.H. needs and it was on their wish list for a few years.

Dr. John Williams, Spinal Surgeon

John Williams

“We brought down a device; it is a small machine on wheels that is rolled into the operating room during complex surgery where a great deal of blood may be loss. What this device does is collect the blood during a lengthy procedure—which in this case was a procedure that lasts in excess of six hours. This machine collects that blood, washed that blood and prepares it to be given back to the patient. So when a patient experiences significant blood loss even from trauma or a lengthy operative procedure, that blood can be given back to the patient—not only to keep that patient safe and prevent them from dying of blood loss, but also their own blood is the healthiest blood source available. So rather than requiring a transfusion, this cell saver, this device, allows patients to receive their own blood back instead of it being loss for good. In this case, Doctor Longsworth, we are very pleased because of the tireless efforts of Amedica to provide this device to the K.H.M.H.  It will stay here to continue to use for spinal procedure and under Doctor Coye’s tutelage as people are trained to use and maintain it. It will be used for other patients as well. I am hoping that this tiny contribution elevates the quality of surgical care that patients receive right here in the center of Belize City.”

Gary Longsworth

Gary Longsworth, C.E.O., K.H.M.H.

“It’s very much appreciated. I can tell you going back at least three years now, this has been a topic that comes up time and time again when you have major trauma and you are losing lots; you have problem with donors. At least three years ago, the need for such a machine was raised and finally through some sort of good fortune, it is here. so we are very, very grateful for this donation and we will ensure that we will take proper care of it. it will be properly maintained and used, and as we get more conversant with it, we’ll expand its use for it. I think Doctor Arriaga in particular is quite gratified to know that this machine has finally arrived.”

Additional donations that also benefit the K.H.M.H. include: cervical collars, a laminectomy set, additional instruments and general supplies.