A very expensive dinner

Was it the pledge card in every delegate pack?

The session on anaesthesia safety and the devastating impact that limited resources and training can have in the ORs of low-income countries?

The friendly competition between tables at the gala dinner in Perth?

It certainly wasn’t just the wine.

“Aussies and Kiwis are naturally generous,” explained Profesor Kate Leslie, settling the matter.

We’ll say.  Professor Leslie, outgoing president of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) was a leading force in rallying college and colleague support for Lifebox at the annual scientific meeting last week, which raised nearly $50,000 for Lifebox in just a few packed days.

This phenomenal fundraising achievement will put 200 pulse oximeters and education materials into operating rooms where they are most needed.

It even made the press.

The college itself pledged $10,000 for pulse oximeters in Papua New Guinea, further developing the collaboration between anaesthetic colleagues across the Western Pacific Region.  You can read more about the relationship in Papua New Guinea on p28 of the ANZCA June newsletter here.

“The College of Anaesthetists is committed to helping improve anaesthetic safety in neighbouring countries so patients there can access safe anaesthesia that we take for granted,” explained Professor Leslie.  “These pulse oximeters will help ensure safe anaesthesia, and will literally save lives.”

You can see our own Professor Alan Merry, interviewed at the annual meeting here.

We’re thrilled to be working with a group of anaesthetists so committed to making surgery safer worldwide.  Thank you to everyone involved, and here’s to Make It 0!