Rotary International District

District 1040 and 1190 have been supporting "Health and Literacy" in Ukraine for almost ten years, Many truck loads of what may be classed as old or outdated hospital equipment from the UK is helping to improve the health care for citizens of Uzhgorod in south western Ukraine. This part of the humanitarian effort is quite well known in both districts, perhaps less well publicised, is the  academic and practical assistance the convoy team give to professionals in order to help  improve  clinical knowledge and outcomes.

     The team has arranged for a university lecturer who had tragically lost a leg to come to Britain and have an artificial one fitted, this was simply  not  available in Ukraine, because of this help he is now able to continue working, educating and supporting students.

    Two years ago a Ukrainian Orthopaedic  Surgeon (Alex Urovsky)  visited a hospital in Cumbria for  four weeks to observe operating practice and enhance his clinical knowledge, he has successfully passed on his experience and learning to the team in Uzhgorod who have adopted new ways of working. To continue this support,  Brian Earley (District 1190,Honorary Yorkshireman) and Mahesh Dhebar, an Orthopaedic  surgeon and friend of Brians,  flew to Ukraine to observe and work in the hospital.

    Just a few hours after touchdown they were conducting and assisting in dozens of orthopaedic procedures, Mr Dhebar commented " we just don't know how lucky we are in the UK, the hospital uses a Chinese copy of a DIY drill in theatre to perform delicate surgery, The Regional Hospital are relatively lucky they use a real Bosch DIY drill!!! They only have one X-Ray image intensifier (C Arm machine) which is a vital piece of equipment which is over 20 years old, when it fails I just do not think they will be able to continue repairing fractures"

 

       The team hope to take a  replacement  C Arm  with them  on the next trip in March 2010  but need to raise circa £6000 to buy a refurbished model.

 

      During the visit Brian was surprised, and rather embarrassed, to be made an Honorary Citizen of Uzhgorod at a large civic reception, in recognition of the continuing work of Rotary in the town, Brian accepted this award (and large medal!) on behalf of the entire Convoy team

     

 

 

    Team Members

       Keith Davison         Leader

       Robert Deakin         Trucker

      Richard Deakin        Head Tucker!

      Frank Milner            Dogsbody

      Brian Early               Scrounger

      Chris Lawson           Treasurer

      Gordon Moffat         Hospital Engineer

We are pleased to welcome Andrew Burridge from Tyson Burridge Hauliers Cumbria this year who is driving with us in March and bringing his own tractor unit.