31st May 2016
DTR Medical is supporting clinical development in ENT, neurosurgery and gynaecology
As a leading provider of sterile single-use surgical instruments, DTR Medical is increasingly involved in supporting clinicians who are helping the development of services around the world.
The company sees this as an opportunity to give something back to its customers when they are often volunteering for something they believe in passionately.
Around the world
Support from DTR Medical has been given in the form of single-use instruments in ENT, where combating deafness is the primary aim, and gynaecology as well as colposcopy, with training and diagnosis of cervical cancer as the main objectives.
Such support has been given in South East Asia and Africa where services are still being developed and the assistance to leading doctors and surgeons can give a tremendous impact; it raises the profile, treats difficult cases directly and trains local doctors in new procedures and techniques.
All Ears International
The company supported audiologist Glyn Vaughan in his quest to prevent, mitigate or relieve ear disease and hearing loss in Cambodia and South East Asia. The number of patients Glyn and his team see is staggering; in 2014 they saw 43,584 ears and they created All Ears Korea and All Ears Bhutan to expand their mission.
Free stock of Crocodile & Tilley Aural Forceps, Formby & Jobson Probes, and Zoellner & Clearway Suction Handles were given to Glyn and his team. In addition, the Micro Suction range of Verhovens and Cream Applicators has proved valuable for removing wax and applying creams and ointments. The range of instruments that DTR Medical has been able to provide is a small but much needed gesture in part of the world where hearing loss has a major impact on sufferers.
Preventing cervical cancer in Ghana
Gynaecology is another focus of support for DTR Medical. For the work Dr Theodora Pepera, an Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Colposcopist is taking on in Ghana, DTR Medical has provided Rotating Cervical Biopsy Forceps, Bonney Polyp Forceps and Rampley Sponge Holders together with an Electrosurgical Loop and Ball Electrodes.
Dr Theo, who presents the result of her work at international conferences, is helping establish a colposcopy service in the country and is actively involved in training clinicians to take on this important work across the country. Through her endeavours, Ghanaian women are now more likely to avoid the threat this cancer-related killer presents.
LletzLearn practical colposcopy training
In a similar manner, the company has worked with Theresa Freeman Wang, Consultant Gynaecologist, and Anna Barbour, Nurse Colposcopist, of LletzLearn to help with the design and development of a training simulator to give practical help to those learning how to perform Cervical Biopsies and Loop Electrode Excisions.
With cervical cancer presenting such a clinical workload, it is important to have well trained colposcopists who can deliver a competent service with confidence. New entrants to the speciality need a chance to practice before their first patient and LletzLearn provides this opportunity.
As a result of support from DTR Medical, Lletzlearn has been active in many countries including the UK, Ireland and Iraq with very successful results. The support has also extended to instruments including Insulated Cusco Specula and Rotating Cervical Biopsy Forceps.
Ethiopia and Africa links
Training is a common theme to the support given by DTR Medical, including the support for Mr Biku Ghosh OBE, Consultant Surgeon and founder of the Wales for Africa Health links group.
The assistance in this case was to provide Single-use Craniotomy sets that could be used for demonstration purposes when teaching doctors new procedures. Something as simple as a donation of equipment can have a positive impact and the feedback received was appreciated by everyone in the company.
Providing ENT service in Malawi
A recent example where support counts is the support of charitable works by leading UK clinicians working to improve the prognosis for patients when they volunteer their time to help others.
Mr David Strachan, Consultant Surgeon, and his colleagues regularly give their support to services in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world.
DTR Medical has helped by donating a wide range of ENT instruments including Rosen Round Ear Specula, Crocodile Forceps & Scissors and Thudichum Nasal Specula for use on his most recent visit to the country.
Corporate or personal?
The buzz term is Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR and it is important for DTR Medical to be an active part of the community and to facilitate some of the changes mentioned.
The company makes its contribution through free sterile single-use instruments, where the shortage of decontamination can be avoided. Every year DTR Medical donates thousands of pounds worth of products, but the true value comes in the return it delivers.
The donation is more personal than corporate because everyone in the team appreciates the help given to others and the improvements they make to someone’s life.