Ukraine clinicians spend time at Oxford University Hospitals

Dr Anatolii Bakarzhiiev, a consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, and Anna Troianska, an orthopaedic scrub nurse, spent a week at the trust in March, primarily working within the Trauma Service at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

They also spent time at the Oxford Shoulder and Elbow Unit and the Limb Reconstruction Service at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre.

The clinicians, who are from Kyiv, observed complex surgeries to save and reconstruct severely injured limbs, and learned about OUH’s approach in both emergency and planned care settings.

They also contributed their own experience of delivering healthcare under extreme pressure during conflict.

Anna Troianska said: “I was very impressed by the organisation and teamwork in the operating theatre at OUH.

“Many specialists contribute to each procedure, and the support from anaesthetists, radiologists and nursing and scrub staff is excellent.

“In Ukraine, we often work with smaller teams and fewer resources, which has taught us to be very adaptable and efficient, but it was extremely valuable to see how a large multidisciplinary system operates in practice.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to visit Oxford and learn from the experience.”

Dr Anatolii Bakarzhiiev said: “I am sincerely thankful for this visit and the opportunity to see first-hand how British medicine works.

“The level of training of specialists, the organisation of patient care, and the overall culture of the system left a deep impression on me.

“I hope that our cooperation will continue to grow and bring benefits to both sides.”

The visit is part of ongoing collaboration between OUH and Ukrainian trauma centres, supported by Simon Hurst, clinical lead for the Oxford Trauma Service, and Sarah Tucker, consultant plastic surgeon, who have both delivered surgical support in Ukraine.

Mr Hurst said: “It was a privilege to host Anatolii and Anna and to share our approach to complex trauma, limb reconstruction and specialist upper limb surgery.

“We also learned a great deal from their experience of delivering high-volume trauma care under extraordinary pressures.”

The visit formed part of a Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)-supported programme under the UK-Ukraine 100-Year Partnership, which brought 14 Ukrainian clinicians to NHS organisations across the UK.

Dr Zubir Ahmed, health innovation and safety minister, said: “Welcoming this cohort of Ukrainian clinicians to the UK is a proud moment for the NHS.

“Through our International Medical Partnerships initiative, we are sharing world-class expertise while learning invaluable lessons about delivering care under pressure.”