Phone a friend: British military medics on call for Ukraine's wounded
The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), as a hub of excellence in recovery, has set up fortnightly video calls that Ukrainian clinicians can dial into and ask for specialist advice.
It is part of 'Op Renovator' which was launched last year, so British military medics, along with their counterparts in the US, Canada, Norway, and the Netherlands, can help equip Ukrainians with the kit and expertise needed to care for the country's wounded.
The DMRC, formerly Headley Court in Surrey but now based near Loughborough, has years of extensive experience following the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, from which Ukraine can benefit.
Lieutenant Colonel Sardar Bahadur, the medical director of the DMRC, told Forces News it is the first time this has ever been done and they have proved the concept works.
"The Ukrainians were able to ask for advice on real patients and real problems that they are facing," he said.
"It's being able to have a panel of experts all in one room dedicated for one to two hours for our Ukrainian colleagues to present their difficult patients.
"When you're faced with a real patient with multiple problems... it's only years of experience that can help you with that."
The DMRC is also making a bespoke package of training films, and teaching best practices in areas like speech therapy, rehabilition, and prosthetics.
Mark Thoburn, the clinical lead prosthetist at DMRC, said it was great to be able to put his skills to use, although added: "Honestly, it's really frustrating not being able to help more.
"I am an expert in prosthetic rehab for conflict injuries and there is a country not that far away that's got a massive need.
"If this helps them a bit, my knowledge can help, then that would be a really good thing for me personally."
Join Our Newsletter
