Two more ambulances donated to Ukraine

Two ambulances from the North East are being donated to help out on the front line in the war in Ukraine.

One year since the beginning of the war, the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) vehicles represent another donation for Ukrainian forces fighting for their country.

Last year, NEAS donated four ambulances filled with medical aid which were taken to the Ukraine-Poland border, and the organisation is helping the war effort again by sending a further two vehicles.

The ambulances will be making the 1,400-mile journey, driven by NHS staff at QE Facilities, the subsidiary of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Gateshead.

Along with the two ambulances, NEAS is also donating 30 defibrillators, four stretchers, 10 carry chairs and three ventilators – emergency medical supplies are specifically aimed at treating those injured in conflict.

Graham Tebbutt, managing director at North East Ambulance Service Unified Solutions (NEASUS), said: “The NHS is known for its compassion and kindness. We help those in need in our local community every day, so this is a great opportunity for us to help people further afield.

“We’re incredibly proud to be able to help the people of

Ukraine at a time when they need it most.”

All of the equipment and vehicles have already been replaced as part of a regular programme which has seen 34 new emergency ambulances delivered this year for use across the North East.

Last year, NHS volunteers drove the donated vehicles across six countries and they were used to transport injured members of the Ukrainian army within hours.