Substantial donation from Rayleigh-based organisation benefits critically ill patients

When critically ill patients need an MRI scan, every second of their journey matters. Moving someone who is already in a critical condition from the safety of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to the MRI department is a complex, finely coordinated effort – one that relies on specialist teams and equipment to keep them stable every step of the way.

Thanks to a generous donation of more than £30,000 from Rayleigh‑based organisation New Leaf Distribution, that journey has improved significantly.

New Leaf Distribution has supported Southend Hospital for many years, quietly contributing to projects that make a real difference to patients and staff. This latest gift has allowed Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity to purchase an additional high‑spec portable ventilator – a piece of equipment that will directly benefit some of the hospital’s sickest patients.

For the ICU team, the arrival of this additional ventilator makes a real difference. Patients who require an MRI scan are often too unwell to breathe without full support, and transporting them between departments is a complex task. The new ventilator provides continuous, high‑quality ventilation throughout the entire transfer, ensuring there is no interruption to the support patients receive.

The ventilator’s compact design, built‑in air turbine and power supply, and magnetic field detection technology mean it can travel safely through corridors, lifts and into the MRI room itself – all while maintaining the same level of respiratory support normally delivered at the bedside.

Brett Kearney‑Jarrett, Critical Care Scientist Team Lead at Southend Hospital, has already seen the difference it makes. “This ventilator has transformed how we can move our sickest patients for MRI scans,” he said. “It gives us the same level of control and monitoring we have at the bedside, which is invaluable during these complex transfers.”

Beyond transport, the ventilator also supports advanced, lung‑protective ventilation strategies, allowing clinicians to tailor treatment to each patient’s needs even while they are away from the unit.

For the charity team, the donation represents more than new equipment – it reflects the power of community support in improving patient care.

Lucy Thomas‑Clayton, Director of Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, said: “We are so grateful to New Leaf Distribution for their incredible generosity. Their substantial donation is already making an immeasurable difference to our critically ill patients at Southend. We cannot thank them enough for their continued support and the lasting impact they provide both for patients and the staff who care for them.”