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Dear all
We would like to share the recently published High-Level Guide to Ethical Donations of Medical Equipment. Although this was written with a focus on medical devices, the same approach can be used for the donation of any equipment donations by the NHS, local authorities, or private organisations.
This guidance was developed to support the ethical and effective donation of medical equipment to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), in response to global disparities in healthcare provision.
Globally, a lack of access to essential equipment remains a major barrier to development in LMICs. Donations of surplus or decommissioned equipment – when well-planned and responsibly managed – can help bridge this gap. Governments, NGOs, and private entities have long contributed to this effort, aiming to improve services and support sustainable development. Yet, despite good intentions, poorly executed donations can lead to unintended consequences, including ethical concerns, logistical challenges, and wasted resources.
This guidance draws on lessons from past experiences and existing literature, offering a structured, end-to-end approach to ensure donations are safe, appropriate, and beneficial. While it does not replace existing studies or frameworks, it is designed to help NHS boards and other organisations navigate the donation process with confidence and clarity.
The Scottish Government’s 10 Step Guide provides the foundation for this document, outlining key considerations for effective donations. If, at any point, the criteria for good practice cannot be met, organisations are encouraged to pause and reassess. Choosing not to proceed with a donation – when done transparently and in partnership – is not a failure, but a sign of responsible and ethical collaboration.
By expanding the scope of this guidance beyond medical equipment, we aim to promote consistent, high-quality donation practices across all sectors, ensuring that Scotland continues to lead by example in global commonality and sustainable development.
Kind regards
Innes Connor
IRIC Manager
Incident Reporting & Investigation Centre (IRIC)
NHSScotland Assure
NHS National Services Scotland
Tel: 0131 275 6162 | innes.connor@nhs.scot | Chat with me on Teams
IRIC operates incident learning and prevention systems for health and care technologies (medical devices, IVDs, estates, facilities, social care equipment and PPE). Visit our website to report an incident and find our safety alerts.
We are NHS National Services Scotland. We offer a wide range of services and together we provide national solutions to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland. Find out more in our NSS Strategic Framework 2024-2026
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