**British NHS Staff Train Ukrainian Colleagues in Children’s Clinics Amid Ongoing Invasion**
In a heartwarming display of international solidarity, clinicians from hospitals in Ukraine are receiving training from staff at NHS trusts across England. This four-week course on paediatric rehabilitation aims to equip the Ukrainian team with essential skills and knowledge to help children cope with the physical, mental, and emotional trauma caused by war.
The initiative brings together healthcare professionals from University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and five other English trusts. By sharing their expertise, the British staff are not only helping their Ukrainian colleagues but also gaining valuable insights themselves. Martin Gargan, a consultant at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, noted that this collaboration is a two-way process: “They’re hopefully learning something from us, and we’re learning something from them.”
The Ukrainian participants, Dr Viktoriya Betsal and Dr Anastasiia Sabadosh, work at the children’s hospital in Khmelnytskyi. Despite facing significant challenges amidst the Russian invasion, they decided to stay in their home country to “do something useful” during this critical time.
**Challenges Faced by Ukrainian Healthcare Professionals**
The situation in Ukraine is dire, with cities experiencing frequent missile attacks and drone strikes. The doctors have spoken about the difficulties of providing healthcare under such circumstances, including electricity problems that hinder medical services. Dr Betsal emphasized the importance of learning more effective management techniques to better serve their patients.
**Appreciation for British Support**
The Ukrainian doctors expressed gratitude towards the NHS staff, appreciating the support and resources provided during their training in Bristol. They praised the collaborative spirit among colleagues and the willingness of doctors to share knowledge and best practices. Dr Sabadosh highlighted the value of small things like effective communication with patients and teamwork among healthcare professionals.
**A Message of Hope**
As the Ukrainian doctors return home at the end of June, they will be equipped with new skills and a renewed sense of purpose. Their determination to provide better care for children in their war-torn country is inspiring, and the support from British NHS staff serves as a testament to humanity’s capacity for kindness and solidarity.
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