Doctor spurs relief effort for Ukraine

On 7 June,2022 | In News

The first of many lorries setting off for the Ukraine with donated medical equipment

By Douglas Shepherd

A Ukrainian doctor practising in the UK has teamed up with his hospital operator to deliver over 110 tonnes of urgent medical supplies to hospitals across his homeland.

His appeal has received a massive response from colleagues with more than £1.4m worth of medical supplies and funds donated by Circle Health Group’s 53 hospitals, staff and suppliers so far. 

Dr Sergey Tadtayev

Dr Sergey Tadtayev, a consultant urological surgeon at Mount Alvernia Hospital, Guildford, and the Runnymede Hospital, Chertsey, Surrey, said: ‘My heart breaks for my fellow doctors back home who are fighting heroically to care for the sick and wounded – even as the bombs continue to fall. 

‘Hospitals are struggling to get basic supplies because transport and manufacturing have been so badly disrupted, so I knew I had to do something to help.

‘Moving 100+ tonnes of medical supplies between hospitals separated by thousands of miles and several borders has been an incredible team effort, and I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of my colleagues at Circle Health Group. 

‘They are moving heaven and earth to get help to those who really need it on the front line, and I am humbled by the solidarity and support for my homeland.’ 

Volunteer hauliers from the UK, Poland and Ukraine have made the journey since mid-March to deliver the urgent supplies to reach hospitals in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykoliav, Odessa and Lviv. 

The latest delivery contained £185,000 of medical equipment loaded on 35 pallets, including five ventilators, an operating table, patient monitors, suction tubing and chest drainage sets and sterile gowns. 

The hospital’s medical director said: ‘We are sure that all the medical aid will help in the treatment of our patients during this terrible period. The support of people from Great Britain is now very valuable for Ukrainians. We will always remember this.’ 

Circle chief executive Paolo Pieri said: ‘It’s hard to know how to help in the face of such enormous suffering, but as a hospital operator and one of the UK’s largest employers we knew we could provide unique support for hospitals caring for the sick and injured.’

Those wishing to help should email sourcingteam@bmihealthcare.co.uk