Frank Gray, a supervisor for the Central Processing Department (CPD), doesn't like to see things go to waste if they can be used to help others in need. With that ideology in mind, he started a campaign—now in its 11th year—within his department to collect unused medical supplies for developing countries.
Just from December 2008 to present day alone, the CPD has donated 41 boxes of medical supplies to St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The influx of donations this year to the Caribbean country resulted from unusable supplies due to product changes within UHN.
"It's a great feeling to help out those less fortunate than us, and it's a win-win situation for us. Instead of these items going into the landfill unused, they will be put to good use," says Frank Gray.
With Frank's leadership, the CPD's medical supply donation campaign has picked up a lot of momentum over the past four to five years, and in addition to St. Vincent & the Grenadines, has supported the West African country of Ghana.
"It's inspiring to have a supervisor like Frank on staff who is such a big patient advocate—not only for UHN patients, but for patients around the world," says AnnMarie Assang, CPD Manager. "He is very committed to patient safety and advocacy, and he is a shining example of someone who leads from where he stands."
Steve O. Phillips, Consul General of St. Vincent & the Grenadines visited the CPD on September 30th to extend his appreciation for the medical supplies, which will benefit multiple hospitals not only in the capital city of Kingstown, but in rural areas as well.
