Hundreds of surplus hospital mattresses from Frenchs Forest are heading to communities across Africa, giving quality medical equipment a second life overseas rather than sending it to local landfill.
Northern Beaches Hospital and the Northern Sydney Local Health District have partnered with MediShare, a Rotary Australia World Community Service initiative, to organize the massive donation.
Corporate Services Manager Alex Atkinson said the surplus gear will continue supporting patients despite no longer being needed locally.
“The donation follows Northern Beaches Hospital’s transition to full NSW Government ownership, ending its former public-private operator setup,” Atkinson noted.
Repurposing Quality Gear
Due to Australia’s high healthcare standards, local medical items are regularly upgraded while still in excellent condition. MediShare specialises in recovering this surplus stock, including beds, mattresses, mobility aids, pathology equipment, and linen, and redirecting it to overseas communities with limited access to healthcare supplies.
Over the past four years alone, the organisation has coordinated more than $75 million worth of donated aid across the Pacific, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
National Manager Keith Roffey explained that without these recovery networks, perfectly usable clinical equipment would simply end up as waste.
Reaching Clinics in Need
The upcoming shipment from Northern Beaches Hospital will serve multiple regions across Africa:
- Zimbabwe: Hospital beds and mattresses will be delivered via MediShare’s long-standing partnership with the Angel of Hope Foundation.
- Ethiopia and Somalia: Additional clinical items and mattresses will support regional hospitals through the Horn of Africa Relief and Development Association.
All donated equipment strictly meets World Health Organization guidelines, ensuring that items sent overseas are fully operational, suited to local conditions, and backed by proper transport and maintenance planning.
Published 4-Aug-2026
