UCLH sending critical medical supplies to Ukraine

UCLH is sending critical medical supplies and equipment to Ukraine after learning of an NHNN consultant’s bid to drive from the UK to the Polish border to deliver some of these items.

Six pallets of boxes packed with emergency items such as surgical masks, gowns, gloves, pen torches and a variety of other small medical equipment have been offered to the Ukrainian Medical Association of the UK (UMA-UK), whose president is Roman Cregg, a consultant in pain management at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.

Along with this donation, UCLH has also pledged to support Roman and his UMA-UK colleagues with further help as needed.

Chief executive David Probert said: “We are extremely concerned at the unfolding events in Eastern Europe.

“We know many of our staff are deeply and personally affected by this military conflict and we want to do everything we can to support them.

“We are looking at our supplies to find ways we can help Roman and the UMA-UK in their mission to drive to the Polish border with donations of medical equipment and supplies.

David, who has received several emails from staff over the past few days, asking how UCLH can help, added:

“I have been deeply moved by the outpouring of support across our organisation for those in Ukraine, Russia and elsewhere suffering as a result of this war.

“Our NHS family is pulling together in ways both large and small to help those impacted. And coming, as it does, as we approach the two-year anniversary of the pandemic, I am humbled by their commitment to others in need even now, when our reserves of strength and resilience have been sorely depleted.

“We will continue to support their efforts and hope for a swift resolution to this war.”

Roman said: “This has just confirmed my belief that UCLH is a great trust to work for. I have been overwhelmed by the offers of help from colleagues and really pleased to be able to accept this help on behalf of my friends and colleagues in Ukraine.

“I was really pleased to meet David and (director of procurement) Pia (Larsen) today and to have their support in trying to send this medical equipment to Ukraine. We are trying to work with big logistics companies to get to Poland by land or air and then onto Ukraine so advice from Pia’s team will be invaluable to us.”

Donations of UCLH medical equipment are being managed by the procurement team. Director Pia Larsen has been looking at stock which can be released such as samples donated by suppliers or some reserves held by UCLH to help with the pandemic effort.

Pia said: “I have also been contacted by staff who would like to do their bit to help. We have identified stock which is expired or close to expiry or reserves we can now release as the pandemic recedes.

“We also hope to help Roman and his colleagues by providing logistical advice about how to get these items delivered safely to their destination.”

Clinical nurse specialist Jo Bennetts, who sourced some medical equipment from her department which could be spared, said:

“Many of us have been out to Kyiv to lecture, visit hospitals or attend conferences, including the British-Ukrainian Symposium. I was overwhelmed by the welcome we received from Ukrainian medics and their kindness and generosity. Some have also visited us at UCLH. They are immensely dedicated to their work, wanting so much to improve patient care in Ukraine.

“They are now suffering beyond our worst imagination, and still they remain so very dignified and stoic in their response. We want to do all we can to support them and ensure they continue their work in a free country.”

If you would like to donate to the UMA-UK effort, they have a fundraising page here.