£2.9 million of urgently needed items
Scotland is sending critical medical supplies and equipment to help Ukraine following the illegal invasion by Russia.
Over 500,000 emergency items valued at about £2.9 million, including hypodermic needles and oxygen masks are being donated by NHS Scotland.
It is vital that Scotland plays its part in supporting those affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. I am grateful for the stance the Scottish Government have taken in providing aid in the areas our devolved powers allow, alongside the efforts of the NHS National Services Scotland. We must continue doing all we can to help those in need.
GRAEME
An initial donation will be flown from Stansted Airport in Essex to Poland tomorrow (Thursday) for onward transport to Ukraine and includes wound dressings and bandages. These supplies are urgently needed by the Ukrainian Government.
The medical aid is in addition to £4 million of humanitarian assistance for Ukraine announced by the Scottish Government on Monday, which will help provide basic support such as shelter, water and sanitation.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited the NHS equipment storage facility in Motherwell to see the supplies being loaded.
We are all very saddened by what is happening in Ukraine and our thoughts are with all those affected. Colleagues across NHS National Services Scotland, quickly mobilised to compile this shipment of necessary medical equipment which will go towards supporting the people of Ukraine, and we as an organisation will do whatever we can to support this period of uncertainty.
NHS NATIONAL SERVICES SCOTLAND CHIEF EXECUTIVE MARY MORGAN
Time is of the essence in this these situations, and thanks goes to the NHS teams for a fantastic effort in the coordination of this effort to support the humanitarian effort of Ukraine.
