Fuel Up & Give to the QEH: Sol Barbados Campaign Aims to Bring 3D Prosthetic Technology to Barbados

Barbadians can now support the Queen Elizabeth Hospital just by filling their tanks. Sol Barbados’ Fuel Up & Give to the QEH campaign is back for its fourth year. It runs from October 12 to November 22, 2026, and aims to raise $100,000 for a SONA Edge 3D Scanning & Fabrication System for the QEH’s Prosthetics and Orthotics Department.

A portion of the proceeds from every litre of SolXtend™ fuel bought at Sol’s 23 service stations across the island goes towards the target.

From eight weeks to about one

Right now, making a custom prosthesis at the QEH takes about eight weeks of careful, hands-on work. On CBC TV 8’s Mornin’ Barbados, QEH Prosthetist Orthotist Paula Jordan-Walcott explained how the SONA Edge will change that. The system uses a computer-aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) process. It starts with a digital scan of the patient’s limb. Changes that are now done by hand can then be made on screen with much greater precision. Finally, the device is 3D printed on site.

“It’s not waiting for something to come in from overseas, but it’s done right here on island,” she said.

Sol Barbados’ Retail Formats and Promotions Manager, Carol Roberts, said the new equipment should cut the fabrication time to about a week.

Help for patients from head to toe

The department serves far more than amputees. Orthotics covers bracing “from head to toe, from pediatric to geriatric.” That includes infants with misshapen skulls, patients with spinal and other fractures, people injured in road traffic accidents, and stroke survivors with foot drop or shoulder dislocation.

“Orthotics is one of those things that people don’t think of until something very unfortunate happens,” Ms. Jordan-Walcott noted.

Every litre counts

At the time of the interview, the campaign had reached about half of its goal. Ms. Roberts is encouraging everyone to take part: “Every single liter counts. So don’t mind if you are only putting in $10, $5.”

To contribute, simply fill up with SolXtend™ at any Sol location before November 22. Watch the full Mornin’ Barbados interview below.

The QEH thanks Sol Barbados and every motorist who fuels up and gives back.