How we work
Empowering local experts
Everything we do is designed to support local teams and health systems. We work hand in hand to understand their particular needs. So they can create impact that lasts.
HOW WE MAKE IT POSSIBLE
The work is challenging and the demands are huge. But in operating rooms all over the world, incredible things happen every day.
How we create a Kids Operating Room
We identify hospitals operating without the space and equipment they need to provide safe surgery for children. Then we partner with local experts to design an operating room around their specific needs.
Planning
We work with the hospital to understand what medical equipment will make the biggest difference to the children they care for and help them build a case for support.
Installation
We create architectural drawings and renovate the derelict space. We prepare and deliver the equipment and artwork and support local teams to set everything up.
Support
Once the room is operational, we keep in touch and partner with local engineers to provide maintenance and replacement parts.
Equipment
We procure over 3,000 items of
brand-new, high-quality equipment
for every operating room.
Logistics
We deliver the equipment to where it’s needed most, including some of the hardest to reach locations in the world.
Solar power
Our Solar Surgery System means surgical teams can start work knowing the lights won’t go out before they finish.
Artwork
Our unique artwork is designed to reassure and distract young patients, unlike the usual cold and clinical hospital environment.
Wrap-around support
Care doesn’t stop after an operation.
We renovate and equip other important spaces such as recovery rooms, play areas and staff areas.
Maintenance
We support our partner hospitals with ongoing biomedical engineering support and new equipment and parts.
Training
We provide training, from day long courses all the way up to five-year scholarships. So staff can gain the specific expertise needed to provide safe paediatric surgery.
Innovation
We focus on finding solutions to complex problems. From pioneering solar-powered operating rooms to extracting medical-grade oxygen from air with NASA technology.
Advocacy
Surgery for children should be an integral part of every country’s health system. So we speak up and advocate on children’s behalf to people in power.
OUR innovation PARTNERS
Together we make it possible
Partnerships are at the heart of our approach. Together, we are pioneering solutions to complex problems which make surgery immensely challenging, enabling surgical teams to operate safely in the toughest conditions.
Solar power with Smile Train
Using solar power to keep operating during black-outs.
Oxygen with NASA
Using space technology to extract medical-grade oxygen from air.
Passive ventilation with Arup
Creating safe operating conditions in dangerous environments.
Social responsibilty
The effects of climate change and inequality are closely linked to global poverty and health challenges. We have to consider the potential impact of our activities on the environment and wider society.
We aim to contribute positively to a sustainable future for all. We focus our social responsibility commitments on three key areas: climate change, equality diversity and inclusion and communities.
