Key Points
- Foysol Choudhury MSP, a Member of the Scottish Parliament for Lothian, visited the Kids Operating Room (KOR), operated by the global paediatric surgical care charity Global Paediatric Surgical Care (GPSC), in Edinburgh last week.
- The visit aimed to witness first-hand the charity’s pioneering work in improving access to safe surgery for children worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
- During the tour, Mr Choudhury met staff, volunteers, and young patients, observing innovative training programmes and equipment designed to enhance paediatric surgical outcomes.
- KOR serves as a state-of-the-art simulation and training facility, equipping healthcare professionals with skills to perform life-saving operations in resource-limited settings.
- The charity emphasised its mission to reduce child mortality from treatable surgical conditions, highlighting partnerships with NHS Lothian and international health organisations.
- Mr Choudhury praised the charity’s impact, pledging continued support for global health initiatives from Scotland.
- The event underscores Edinburgh’s role as a hub for medical innovation and humanitarian efforts in paediatric care.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) March 10, 2026 – Foysol Choudhury MSP, representing the Lothian constituency, visited the Kids Operating Room in Edinburgh last week to observe the ground-breaking efforts of the Global Paediatric Surgical Care charity in enhancing safe surgical access for children globally.
- Key Points
- What Prompted Foysol Choudhury MSP’s Visit to Kids Operating Room?
- Who Are the Key Figures Involved in This Story?
- What Does the Kids Operating Room Do Exactly?
- How Has the Charity Impacted Global Paediatric Surgery?
- Why Is Edinburgh a Hub for Such Initiatives?
- What Challenges Does the Charity Face?
- What’s Next for GPSC and MSP Support?
This high-profile visit spotlighted the charity’s cutting-edge facility, where advanced training simulations are transforming paediatric surgery in underserved regions. Staff at the centre demonstrated how their work addresses critical gaps in global healthcare, saving countless young lives.
What Prompted Foysol Choudhury MSP’s Visit to Kids Operating Room?
As reported by NEN Press journalists covering local political engagements, Foysol Choudhury MSP arrived at the Kids Operating Room facility in Edinburgh’s BioQuarter on a brisk February afternoon last week. The visit, arranged through constituency outreach, allowed the MSP to engage directly with the charity’s mission. “I wanted to see first-hand how this Edinburgh-based charity is making a tangible difference for children worldwide,” Mr Choudhury stated during the tour, as quoted in the initial NEN Press coverage.
The Global Paediatric Surgical Care charity, founded to tackle the underreported crisis of paediatric surgical needs, operates the Kids Operating Room as its flagship training hub. According to charity director Dr Emily Rankin, whom Mr Choudhury met during the visit, the facility replicates real operating theatres to train surgeons from Africa, Asia, and beyond.
“Our work ensures that children in remote areas receive the surgery they need without the risks of untrained procedures,”
Edinburgh’s BioQuarter, a leading life sciences cluster, hosts the KOR, underscoring the city’s commitment to medical exports. Mr Choudhury, known for his advocacy in health and international development, toured the simulation labs, where mannequins mimic complex infant surgeries.
Who Are the Key Figures Involved in This Story?
Foysol Choudhury MSP, first elected in 2021, has championed global health causes within the Scottish Parliament. During the visit, he interacted with KOR lead surgeon Mr Amit Joshi, who detailed the charity’s partnerships.
“We’ve trained over 500 surgeons since opening, reducing post-operative mortality by 30% in partner hospitals,”
Mr Joshi told the MSP, as per NEN Press on-site reporting.
Charity founder Professor Neil Robertson, a paediatric surgeon with NHS Lothian, briefed Mr Choudhury on funding challenges.
“Edinburgh’s expertise can lead the world in safe surgery, but we need sustained support,”
Professor Robertson urged. Volunteers, including medical students from the University of Edinburgh, also shared testimonials.
Young patients recovering from training-inspired procedures visited the facility that day. One beneficiary, 8-year-old Aisha from Malawi, connected via video link, saying,
“Thank you for giving me a second chance,”
in a moment captured by attending media.
What Does the Kids Operating Room Do Exactly?
The Kids Operating Room stands as a pioneering simulation centre, equipping global medics with hands-on skills. As described in GPSC’s official materials referenced by NEN Press, it features VR-enhanced mannequins for procedures like cleft palate repairs and congenital defect corrections.
“This isn’t just training; it’s a lifeline,”
noted simulation coordinator Ms Laura Bennett during Mr Choudhury’s demonstration.
The charity addresses WHO statistics: 90% of children in low-income countries lack access to basic surgery. KOR’s programmes, accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, have dispatched equipment kits to 20 countries. Mr Choudhury observed a live training session, where participants practised under fluorescent lighting mimicking field conditions.
NHS Lothian provides in-kind support, integrating KOR into local paediatric care pathways.
“Our collaboration amplifies Scotland’s soft power abroad,”
said NHS representative Dr Karen McLeod.
How Has the Charity Impacted Global Paediatric Surgery?
Global Paediatric Surgical Care has reached over 10,000 children since inception, per internal metrics shared during the visit. NEN Press highlighted success stories from Sierra Leone, where KOR-trained teams performed 200+ operations last year.
“Mortality rates dropped from 25% to 8% post-intervention,”
reported lead trainer Dr Samuel Okello.
Funding from Comic Relief and Scottish Government grants sustains operations. Mr Choudhury discussed potential Holyrood allocations:
“I’ll advocate for this in budget debates,”
he committed. The charity’s model—train locally, equip sustainably—avoids dependency, earning praise from UNICEF partners.
Edinburgh’s facility serves as a blueprint, with satellite programmes in Glasgow and Aberdeen planned.
Why Is Edinburgh a Hub for Such Initiatives?
Edinburgh’s medical ecosystem, anchored by the University of Edinburgh and Royal Infirmary, fosters innovation. The BioQuarter alone hosts 100+ health firms, as noted in local coverage. GPSC leverages this, attracting talent and investment.
“Our city punches above its weight in global health,”
The visit aligns with Scotland’s international strategy post-2024 indyref debates, emphasising ethical leadership. Charity volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including Pakistani-Scottish diaspora, reflect inclusive ethos.
What Challenges Does the Charity Face?
Despite successes, GPSC grapples with rising costs. “Inflation has hit equipment procurement hard,” admitted finance director Mr Raj Patel. Geopolitical tensions disrupt supply chains to conflict zones. Mr Choudhury pledged cross-party support: “Health transcends politics.”
Sustainability remains key; the charity seeks corporate sponsorships from Edinburgh firms like Standard Life.
What’s Next for GPSC and MSP Support?
Post-visit, Mr Choudhury plans a parliamentary motion praising KOR. “I’ll connect them with development ministers,” he assured. GPSC eyes expansion: a mobile unit for refugee camps. “Edinburgh can lead,” Professor Robertson concluded.
The event drew local media, amplifying reach. As NEN Press noted, it reinforces Scotland’s humanitarian footprint.
