A North East manufacturer of medical test equipment has helped a global charity which delivers healthcare services onboard the world’s largest private hospital ship.
Rigel Medical, which employs 170 staff at its Peterlee base, supplied a series of specialist testing products to international charity Mercy Ships.
The voluntary organisation operates a former passenger ship now converted into a hospital with three operating theatres and a 40-bed ward.
As the world’s largest floating hospital Mercy Ships provides vital healthcare in some of the poorest nations such as Benin, Madagascar and the Republic of Congo.
Rigel’s team supplied equipment to test the hospital’s syringe drivers, which deliver a consistent flow of injected medication, and its volumetric pumps for infusion of fluids.
The North East-manufactured kit tests the accuracy and safety of these important pieces of medical equipment used in saving lives.
Jackie Abbott, corporate relations at Mercy Ships, said: “We’re hugely grateful for the support that Rigel Medical has given us.
“Every day our volunteer crew onboard have the privilege of transforming the lives of so many people, and that wouldn’t be possible without every piece of support we get.”
Tony Royston, a senior clinical engineer with Mercy Ships, added: “Rigel’s products are really important to us because they provide us with automated testing.
“We’re staffed by volunteers, which means it’s even more important to have a consistent and simple testing facility.”
Rigel Medical has a long-standing commitment to supporting charitable organisations and overseas healthcare providers.
The firm has previously supplied equipment to be used in voluntary missions to Asia and Africa.
Jack Barrett, national business development manager at Rigel Medical, said: “We’re delighted to help the important work of Mercy Ships.
“The team behind Mercy Ships deliver work that is nothing short of incredible, and for Rigel to play a small part in that process is a real honour.”
Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 by American-born Don Stephens and has worked in more than 70 countries providing services valued at more than U.S. $1.3 billion, treating more than 2.56 million direct beneficiaries.
To donate to the cause please visit www.mercyships.org.uk/donate/