EEAST helps UK donate fleet of ambulances to Ukraine

The East of England Ambulance Trust (EEAST) is helping the NHS donate a fleet of ambulances to provide urgent care for those injured by Russian attacks in Ukraine.

The donation of around 20 ambulances will help bring vital lifesaving care to Ukrainians in towns and cities under attack from Russian bombardments. The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust and South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust are leading the way after both offering four vehicles.

Marcus Bailey, chief operating officer at EEAST, said: “The thoughts and solidarity of everyone at EEAST are with the people of Ukraine and those in our community who have friends and family who have been affected by these awful events.

“We are reminding all of our staff of the wellbeing support that is available through the Trust, as well as safe ways they can donate if they wish to.

“NHS England is coordinating requests made by the Ukrainian government to make sure the support the NHS provides can be delivered quickly. We are liaising closely with them and are ready to provide support when it is required. 

The donation will help replace Ukrainian ambulances which have been lost to Russian attacks, bolstering the existing fleet’s resilience as the war goes on. The first ambulances will arrive this week and are destined for Lviv in the west of the country, where they will be transported on to those areas most in need.

The NHS’s national ambulance service fleet strategy requires the replacement of ambulance vehicles every five years. After this time, vehicles are decommissioned and either kept back for resilience, given to approved charities or sent to auction. It is from this fleet the donation has been made. All vehicles and medical supplies are checked before being sent to ensure they meet the standards required.

Published 7th April 2022