Publish date: 14 March 2022
Kindness and compassion are at the heart of the NHS, so it is no surprise that so many colleagues are looking at what the NHS can do to help, and what contribution each of us can make to the response.
Through our coordinated work with DHSC, the UK has already provided over 650,000 medicines and medical items such as wound packs and intensive care equipment, deployed a humanitarian team to the region, and is exploring further options to stand with our Ukrainian friends.
In addition to medical aid being delivered to Ukraine, we are also working with government to plan for how we can help by receiving people affected by the conflict, whether that is those who have had their treatment interrupted, have been injured or those who have become refugees.
To be most effective for the people who need it, these support efforts must be properly co-ordinated, as part of the overall UK Government-led response.
This allows us to ensure that:
- the Ukrainian and neighbouring governments are getting the support they need for their citizens
- the authorities are not overwhelmed or required to put additional resource into the management of support
- the goodwill, time and contributions of everyone who wants to help, are directed where they can make the most difference for the people who are suffering.
As such, we ask that, rather than trying to contact Ukrainian or neighbouring authorities directly with offers of support, NHS organisations direct their contributions to England
The government has published further information on how the public can help with support for Ukraine, which includes details of the Disasters Emergency Committee, a coalition of 15 leading UK charities, which has launched its collective appeal to provide emergency aid and rapid relief to civilians suffering during the conflict.