A Ukrainian-born nurse and her colleagues at South Tyneside District Hospital have rallied round to gather scores of supplies ready to be sent to help those affected by the conflict in her home country.
Irene Babrovich was born in Chernihiv, a city in the north of the country around 140km north of the capital Kyiv and still has loved ones who remain in the country, which came under attack from Russia last month.
The critical care outreach worker is among staff from South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust to run collections for organisations sending on support people affected by the crisis.
It comes after the Trust worked with NHS colleagues across the region to donate equipment and medical supplies to the country.
While staff have gathered supplies, it is asking the public to support ongoing campaigns being led by established community groups.
Irene Babrovich, pictured left, and colleagues across the Trust have helped gather supplies to send over to Ukraine.
Irene, helped by colleagues including Lisa Hobbs, collected sleeping bags, non-perishable foods, flasks, nappies and baby food which have been sent to help via a Newcastle business.
“When the conflict started my friends and I got together and decided to do something, as doing nothing was not an option,” said Irene.
“The sheer frustration, helplessness and hopelessness of the situation in Ukraine, where we have either family, or friends or acquaintances got to us. It’s just amazing just how many things we were given. We need the support, we have been overwhelmed by what’s happening and want to do everything we can to help.”
Emergency Department Nurse Kate Gordon, who is also based at the same hospital, and colleagues have sent 12 carloads of items to help, while Debbie Dack, a Paediatric Ward Manager at Sunderland Royal Hospital, collected funds from staff and friends for essentials. The Trust’s Community teams have also added their backing.
Sunderland West District Nurses from the Sunderland and Community Integrated Team, based in Grindon, have also ran a collection to help a group leading efforts in the city, while the Community Integrated Team at Riverview Health Centre collected animal food to donate. The Trust’s Bladder and Bowel Service, based at Clarendon in Hebburn, also ran a collection.
Peter Sutton, the Trust’s Executive Director of Planning and Business Development, said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the situation in Ukraine. We are working with our colleagues directly impacted by the conflict and offering support to our staff who feel the impact of the upsetting events. We are extremely proud of our workforce for the care they have shown through the collections and to play our own part by making the donation of equipment and medical supplies we have sent in partnership with trusts from the region.”
