The Queen Elizabeth Hospital is racing to raise $100 000 by November 16 to purchase two urgently needed blood gas machines, with help from Sol (Barbados) Ltd. through its new Fuel Up & Give to the QEH campaign.
A portion of proceeds from SolXtend fuel sales at 23 stations will go towards the upgraded diagnostic units, which senior doctors say are critical to treating trauma, sepsis and respiratory failure. The current machine, used nonstop in Accident & Emergency, is failing under pressure.
“It’s our lifeblood, so to speak,” said A&E Head Dr Anne-Marie Cruickshank.
Sol’s campaign revives a pre-pandemic partnership that previously raised over $200 000 for hospital equipment. This time, every fill-up helps fund faster, more reliable real-time analysis of blood oxygen levels—and better outcomes for patients.
The Rapid Point 500E model selected by the hospital’s engineering team is described as a major upgrade from the existing unit.
“It will be point-of-care, and it uses cartridges which eliminate a lot of the issues we’ve had, like clotting in the machines,” Dr Cruickshank said.
While the hospital already has blood gas machines in various departments, she admitted that the two additional machines would not be enough to meet the facility’s overall needs.
“For the A&E, it might be sufficient, but, obviously, there are other intensive care units in the hospital. We probably need about five to cover all,” she said. “But we are very appreciative.”
Acting QEH Chief Executive Officer Christine Greenidge noted that the partnership between Sol and the hospital had been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and welcomed its return.
“I’m so truly grateful that you have kept us in mind and for this effort of resumption,” she said.
Dr Corey Forde, director of Clinical and Diagnostic Services, further underscored the urgency of the donation and urged public and private stakeholders to support the initiative.
“I want to encourage all Barbadians to participate in this exercise. Your health is in your hands.”
Reflecting on previous partnerships with the QEH, Sol General Manager Roger Barrow said the campaign builds on similar efforts in 2018 and 2019, which raised over $200 000 for equipment, including an ECG machine, vital signs monitors and infusion pumps.
“With each fill-up, you’re not only fuelling your vehicle, you’re fuelling better healthcare for someone you love, a neighbour, a friend or even yourself,” Barrow said.
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