A PRIVATE hospital in Reading has launched a Christmas appeal for Ukrainian hospitals in partnership with a former prime minister.
The Circle Reading Hospital has joined with Boris Johnson in an effort to appeal for supplies for medical staff in Ukraine.
Ukrainian hospitals have warned that they are running out of vital items such as bandages and defibrillators “within weeks,” due to the effect the Russian invasion has had on supplies and supply chains.
The Circle Health Group has a team of Ukrainian doctors who are meeting with medics, and supplies are gathered from CHG hospitals and driven into areas of conflict in Ukraine.
Paolo Pieri, CEO of Circle Health, said: “It’s so easy to get caught up in problems at home and become immune to the immense hardship facing people in Ukraine.
“As a fellow hospital operator, we are determined to stand with these Ukrainian hospitals for the long haul.
“As Winter sets in, new medical supplies have never been more vital, and we hope our regular shipments will help show this remarkable group of doctors that they’re not alone.”
A spokesperson for Circle Reading Hospital, said: ‘Everyone at the hospital has been moved by the terrible events unfolding in Ukraine we and the community in Reading are proud to renew our commitment to medical colleagues in Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Odessa, Lviv, and Kherson.
Professor Rostyslav Smachylo, a specialist hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeon from Kharkiv in the east of Ukraine: ‘We are seeing increasing numbers of elderly people who stayed in the city but have been injured as a result of the violence taking place around them.
“We lack a lot of equipment needed to cope with the volume of patients we are seeing with particularly complex injuries and conditions.
“The hospital has also seen windows blown out and structural damage– knowing that we have allies in Britain and the support of the British stiffens our resolve, we are incredibly grateful, and we ask that you don’t forget us.”
In the last eight months almost 300 tonnes– around £3 million’s worth– have been delivered across Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Odessa, Lviv and Kherson.
Former prime minister Boris Johnson visited a warehouse in Enfield and was briefed by Ukrainian doctors about how aid was being given.
Boris Johnson said: ‘The Great British public are renowned for their generosity of spirit – even when times are tough at home.
“So I’m calling on them to dig deep this Christmas and help send hope to the heroic Ukrainian medics battling to save lives by supporting Circle Health’s vital humanitarian mission.
“Not one bandage or bed you fund will go to waste in the Herculean task of rebuilding beautiful, brave Ukraine.
“Slava Ukraini: the British people stand with you, this Christmas and always.”
Donations to the appeal can be made via: www.justgiving.com
