The first medical supplies sent by our staff to help people in war-torn Ukraine have been successfully delivered this week.
The much-needed aid, collected by staff at our Trust, has been transported to the Poland-Ukraine border.
We have collected items desperately needed in field hospitals, including beds, swabs, catheters, breathing equipment, sutures, dressings, bandages, gowns and cutters.
Staff and the generous local community have also raised more than £10,000 so far to go towards vital aid. And staff have donated essential items such as toiletries and dry foods to be delivered to people in need.
Vladyslav Vovk is a foundation doctor at the Trust who was born and raised as a young child in Ukraine. He is leading the relief campaign along with a regional group of doctors known as Medical Aid Ukraine North East.
He said: “We are delighted the first delivery of goods has made it to those who so desperately need it.
“It’s thanks to the generosity of our staff, community and local companies that we are able to make such a difference.
“It’s fantastic to know that the items we are donating are exactly what are needed right now – the specific medical supplies, the food, toiletries, clothing and so on.
“Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed so far.”
Arrival in Ukraine
The Trust has been working with a delivery supplier to transport the goods to Eastern Europe.
A local supplier called Andy who helped deliver the goods, said in a video recording: “Your load is probably the best pack load I have seen so far.
“We met a surgeon yesterday from a neurologicial department who asked us for specific items. And it just so happens you are giving them exactly what they’ve actually asked for and they have literally just run out. The factory that makes them was bombed.
“On behalf of the hospital I want to thank you all.”
The Trust’s subsidiary company, NTH Solutions, helped to gather the medical supplies and co-ordinate the delivery.
Mike Worden, managing director, said: “It is amazing to see the difference we can all make. It makes me even prouder to be a part of the NHS and a part of this generous community.
“Thank you to everyone for their extraordinary generosity. This is just the beginning and we hope to continue to contribute for as long as this aid is needed.”
