Nurses at Magilligan Prison today extended their caring hand far beyond the North coast by donating equipment no longer in use to a hospital in Uganda. The Magilligan Healthcare Team, led by Manager Elaine Cole, today handed over an x-ray machine to representatives from AFRICARE, a small locally based charity.

Senior Nursing Officer Julie Tosh, who worked tirelessly on the project to arrange the delivery to Kiwoko Hospital, explained:

“These machines have not been used for some time, as they are no longer up to strict UK standards. I made contact with AFRICARE and after overcoming a few hurdles, am delighted to be able to hand over the equipment to them today. It is great to know that something which would otherwise have been discarded is now going to make a difference to so many lives.”

On donating the x-ray machine Prison Governor, Tom Woods, said:

“I never cease to be amazed by the innovative ideas that our prison staff at Magilligan come up in helping a diverse range of local charities. Today staff in Prison Healthcare have shown that their compassion and thoughtfulness stretches far beyond these shores. I commend Elaine and her team on their tremendous efforts; this is an example of resourcefulness at its very best.”

Brian Dornan, who received the donation on behalf of AFRICARE, praised the Magilligan Healthcare staff for their extreme generosity.

He said; “AFRICARE are very excited at the prospect of having this machine operational in Uganda. This will be state-of-the-art out there. It will make a viable and lasting contribution to improving the health of many vulnerable patients.

“As a charity, we rely on acts of goodwill such as this and donations from whatever form. Those suffering poor health need help in every society and I am particularly pleased that this equipment will find a new and cherished home in Uganda. This gesture will make a real and lasting difference to others. I thank the Governor and his team for their welcome here today and for this resourceful donation”


Notes to Editors

1. The X-Ray machine will be moved to Uganda in September. Brian Dorman can be contact at Africare 028 93362197

2. For photographs contact Seamus Loughry 028 70833830

Contact Details