Over 1800 miles, from an auction house in Bracknell, UK, to a hospital in Dnipro, Ukraine – a wonderful example of the informal network of international collaboration delivering real aid precisely where needed. This electrosurgical/diathermy unit was bought at auction on 9 February. It left the UK on 18 February and arrived at its hospital destination on 7 March 2023.
The electrosurgical/diathermy machine enables surgeons to coagulate blood vessels (i.e. stop internal bleeding) within seconds as they cut through tissue to perform the task they must undertake, very often to save the life of the person on the operating table. It allows surgeons to cut more precisely too – greatly reducing scarring, reducing the patient’s recovery time also.
My deepest appreciation to Professor Michael and Jan Clarke for their wonderful donation enabling us to bid for this machine needed – and win it!
Taras Patlatiuk, once again, instrumental in supporting all manner of practical details. Thank you for the privilege of combining our efforts so effectively.
By amazing fortune, UK friends at Operation Safedrop were driving an aid van from Newcastle to Lviv the week after the auction. When I asked John Lawler and Toby Illingworth if this unit could travel with them, the answer an immediate yes. The joy connecting with humanitarians and professionals unphased by complicated logistics, wanting the same good outcome. Thank you Liam Mcgough for stepping in at the drop of a hat to collect the machine from the auction house and keep it at home a few days so we did not incur storage fees. A godsend!
Very special thanks to all involved in transporting this donation on its long journey east – Toby, Karl, Jonathan, Maksim and Roman.
To Evgen in Ukraine, thank you for all our communications and yours among the hospital staff. One day, soon, we will meet in your beloved Dnipro❤️
Ambulance Relief 