Dear Rick’s Heart Foundation,
One bed at a time, we are helping to change the landscape of neurosurgical care in West Africa.
As many of you know, KBNF recently had the opportunity to receive 500 decommissioned hospital beds from Vancouver Coastal Health. We carefully received each bed, checked them, prepared them for shipping and then loaded them onto nine containers that were shipped to Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria and The Gambia.
Total donated value? $2 million.
So many of you helped with the process and we couldn’t have done it without you.
Today, we want to give you a glimpse into what happened with the beds that were sent to Ghana. (Stay tuned for Part II where we’ll share about the beds that were sent to Nigeria and The Gambia.)
In November and December 2023, KBNF shipped 165 hospital beds to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra, Ghana.
These beds arrived safely and Dr. Harry Akoto, neurosurgeon, KBTH Deputy Medical Director and KBNF Board member, along with the KBTH staff were thrilled to receive the beds.
The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) is a major referral center in Ghana, welcoming patients from around the region. Too often, however, patients arrive, expecting to be cared for, but finding themselves without an available bed. It’s what is called the “No Bed Syndrome,” said Dr. Akoto. Now, with more beds, more patients will receive the care they urgently need.
“Your generosity will not only positively impact our hospital, but also the entire region,” Dr. Akoto added. “We will be able to accommodate more patients and provide better care to those in need. Patients will be able to receive the care they deserve in a comfortable and safe environment.”
Some of the beds were used to furnish the newly-renovated neurosurgical wing at KBTH.
Number of beds sent to KBTH: 165
Estimated value of each bed: $4,000,
Estimated value of donation: $660,000
Estimated lifespan of each bed: 10 years
Impact of one bed? Priceless. Of course.
On December 14 last year, on a cold Thursday night in Burnaby, BC, we loaded a container filled with hospital beds, mattresses, linens and other medical supplies to be shipped to Ghana. This time the container was destined for the Manso Abore Health Centre in the Ashanti region in Ghana. This is the region where His Excellency, Joseph Frimpong, the Honorary Consul of Ghana to Vancouver is from. Enthusiastic volunteers helped load that container in an hour and a half that night.
With the 45 beds sent to the Manso Abore Health Centre, we were able to replace many of their older beds with beautiful new ones—and even linens!
What a difference! This is how we make an impact—one bed at a time. Of course, we were also able to send much-needed medical supplies, as well as examination tables.
Construction and renovations are currently underway at the new KBNF Centre in Ladner, BC. Lighting has been installed, the ceiling is being finished and we are painting the walls. Soon, we will be putting up shelving and things will begin to hum again.
Here’s what we need:
- Kitchen cabinets and island
- Dishwasher
- Washer & dryer
- Flooring
Know anyone who’s replacing their kitchen and/or appliances or have access to flooring? We are currently looking for these items and would love to hear if you have any leads.
The Korle-Bu Neuroscience Foundation is registered as a non-profit society in British Columbia, Canada. Members in good standing have the right to attend and vote at the Society’s Annual General Meeting, scheduled for June 15 this year.
Membership dues are $30 per year and are not a charitable donation.
Renew your membership right here.
Thank you!
Dear Korle-Bu family,
I am reminded of the heart of service that underlies all that we do. As our team in Canada works on renovating and establishing the new KBNF Centre in Ladner, BC, our team in West Africa works on distributing medical supplies and equipment to some of the most remote areas. What a privilege it is to serve with such great purpose.
Thank you for how you serve. Thank you for how you rise with us, again and again, to overcome the obstacles on this path of providing excellent compassionate neurosurgical care in West Africa. One container at a time, one surgery at a time, one hospital bed at a time, we are doing what we are uniquely called to do. Thank you for walking with us.
With Love,
Marj Ratel
President and Founder
Korle-Bu Neuroscience Foundation
