Guy’s and St Thomas’ have shipped huge quantities of vital medical supplies to Ukraine to help with the war effort.
Some 150 pallets of gloves and theatre gowns, as well as bandages, sutures, dressings, sanitisation materials and other essential items have arrived safely in Ukrainian hospitals.
Responding to calls for donations, the hospitals made part of their supply chain hub in Dartford available for the Ukrainian Medical Association. Staff members volunteered to find and package up the medical equipment, which was made up of donated and surplus items. Staff have also volunteered to work at the Dartford centre between shifts.
David Lawson, who runs procurement for Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “Like so many, I have been devastated by the scenes in Ukraine and was looking for ways I could help. When we were approached by the Ukrainian Medical Association, we quickly engaged the supply chain hub. I was amazed when so many staff across different areas of the Trust came forward to give up their time to assist.
Peckham woman offering free English lessons to Ukrainian refugees
Specialist nurse Agnieszka Wypych-Zych and Dr Waqas Akhtar, chief registrar based at Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, ran the process of finding medical supplies. Agnieszka said “We were overwhelmed by the number of staff wanting to help despite the intense workload associated with the pandemic. We were incredibly proud of Guy’s and St Thomas’ for its leadership in helping others in their time of need.”
The supplies were then transported directly to hospitals in Ukraine via Poland through a system run by Bianca Swalem, a former member of staff at Kings Health Partners. Bianca said: “We are absolutely thrilled that life-saving medical supplies are being used in hospitals across Ukraine within 48 hours of leaving the Dartford warehouse.”