To preface my post … this is a tribute to Damyanti Biswas, Belinda Witzenhausen, Sylvia McGrath, Lynn Hallbrooks, Simon Falk – who all co-hosted and co-ordinated these positive posts over the last five years …. So like Belinda - I wish you all the very best ... sent with loads of hugs from Positive Letters blog ...
As they and I say goodbye to the #WATWB monthly posts … I will probably continue in a simpler format – and hope anyone who uses FB will pick up and post across for me – FB and I are not very connected …
Now my last 'official #WATWB post' … it's a little long, but pertinent to today and events in Ukraine …
Medical Guidance in war-torn Ukraine ...
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| David Nott Foundation (Henry Marsh on left, David looking on) |
David Nott – a general and vascular surgeon works mainly in London hospitals, but also volunteers to work in disaster and war zones.
The David Nott Foundation came to my notice in the Syrian conflict … however David Nott has been working in war zones since 1993 … Sarajevo, and alphabetically: Afghanistan, Bosnia, Chad, Darfur, Gaza, Haiti, Iraq, Libya, Sierra Leone, and opposition-held areas of Syria.
He had established front line “Hostile Environment Surgical Training” courses that last four days … focussing on a wide range of skills, including treatment of gun shot wounds and vascular surgery …
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| Henry Marsh visiting Ternopil University in 2016 |
… now the course needed to be condensed, and to ensure that Ukrainian healthcare professionals are best prepared for complex war injuries, the course included triage, damage control, burns, cardiothoracic, orthopaedic, paediatric, and plastic surgery sessions.
In response to this Ukrainian crisis David Nott, and former Consultant Surgeon at St George's Hospital, Henry Marsh, joined forces to deliver a 12-hour surgical training course to over 570 healthcare professionals in early March.
Neurosurgeon, Henry Marsh had established roots in Ukraine as far back as 1992, as a pioneer of neurosurgical advances in Ukraine …
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| Ternopil National Medical University in west Ukraine their logo |
Henry Marsh comments: “I hope and pray that my Ukrainian friends and colleagues will not need to apply all that they learn from the David Nott Foundation webinar.
But we must do what we can to prepare them for the possible horrors ahead as Russia continues with its evil and murderous invasion.”
Links:
David Nott – Wikipedia
David Nott Foundation – Ukraine …
Henry Marsh - Neurosurgeon – Wikipedia
Ternopil National Medical University, west Ukraine - their Wikipedia site ...
Revolution of Dignity – also known as the Maidan Revolution … took place in Ukraine 2014 – ousting ex-president Yanukovych, after he failed to sign a political association and free trade agreement with the European Union, instead choosing closer ties to Russia …
Belinda Witzenhuizen - A Hug and a Goodbye from the #WATWB community ...
Thank you all participants - bloggers, commenters, readers ... of our #WATWB posts ... sad that 'time is called' ...
We are the World Blogfest
In Darkness, Be Light
Peace and Compassion for Ukraine
and a happier world for us all in the years ahead
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
32 comments:
Yet another WONDERFUL post. I am so sad that these skills are so desperately needed, but awed and delighted that so many people step up to fill that need.
I also don't play FB, but hope to see more of your eclectic posts and impeccable research in a different format.
Stay well, stay positive, stay hopeful.
Hari OM
I highly recommend David Nott's book, WAR DOCTOR; surgery on the front line. His work is outstanding. Thanks for this post Hilary... YAM xx
If only such skills were unnecessary...
@ EC - gosh ... thank you. It is desperate to see what's happening in Ukraine ... but these condensed training skill courses must help. I note Yam's comment after yours ...
Yes - thank you ... I am fortunate I am of the positive 'sort' ...
@ Yam - thank you for the recommendation ... I'll get from the library ... I'd noted he has written quite a few books. I also was interested in Henry Marsh's books - his also sound quite extraordinary ... and I must get to read them.
@ Liz - thank you ...
Thanks for visiting ... I just hope we can quickly get through this ... and nothing else is sparked. Peace to Ukraine ... Hilary
What a noble doctor and organization. My friend is connected to another noble group, Medical Ambassadors International. They are in Poland helping out. I am praying for a peaceful resolution and that the conflict does not expand.
Thank heavens for organisations such as this Hilary who can respond quickly and timely to war zone areas. I've heard of the David Nott Foundation and of him, himself.
and Henry Marsh too, who has established roots in Ukraine ...
These are the helpers .. as Marsh says, it is hoped that friends and colleagues do not have to use these skills .. but at least those in the combat field are prepared ..
So, to this last #WATWB - your posts were always lovely and interesting and inspiring - hambe gahle ... we can continue to spread good news in our own way. Have a lovely Sunday xx
It is with some sadness that I absorb the news that this will be the final WATWB post. Thank you on behalf of so many, Hilary, for the inspirational posts you have provided over so many years. It has always been a pleasure to open your blog, knowing that quality and thought-provoking material awaited. I will be looking forward to what new style you will adopt from now on. As for Ukraine, it is a catastrophic situation, beyond comprehension really, and we all must hope that it ends soon. One Russian psychopath is holding the world to ransom, and in the process destroying a country and murdering its people. We have seen all this before. We never learn do we?
Great post - and will miss #WATWB
Thanks for recognizing the founders of WATWB and for contributing regularly, Hilary. Posts like this one are important. It helps knowing that there are good people doing their best to establish light during dark times. Thank you very much.
Sorry it's the last one but you made it a doozy. That is awesome David Nott did that for Ukrainian doctors.
Out of evil cometh good. A wonderful organisation and an upstanding man. If only it wasn't necessary.
A perfect finale Hilary.
@ Terra - yes ... David Nott and Henry Marsh amazing doctors - with an enlightened approach to life and dealing with horrors inflicted by cruel, selfish bullies.
As you rightly mention there are lots of organisations who have stepped up to help in many ways ... and being on the borders too helping - the co-ordination of humanitarian organisations really shows through at times like these.
@ Susan - oh I know ... it's wonderful to see The David Nott Foundation and the help it's provided to health-workers on the frontline. Having medical connections - I can understand that you'd heard of the Foundation as too Henry Marsh and his links to Ukraine.
Thanks re the thumbs up for our # WATWB posts ... it's been such an interesting five years - so much good going on in the world ... which we on at least six continents have highlighted ...
Hambe Gahle - African Blessings to all ...
@ David - it is sad isn't it ... but I suspect a few of us will continue on, even if there is no co-ordination ... I'll enjoy highlighting projects/subjects I consider worthwhile ...
Thanks so much for your support and encouragement - I so agree ... the invasion and destructive forces that Putin instructs (with no possible hurt to himself) are evil elements - I would hope that the world will see it's better to live caring for others and not destroying everything in sight. I do hope we can learn ...
@ Jemima - thank you ... yes I'm not good with #WATWB on FB ... FB and I don't agree.
@ Dan - yes I was delighted to be able to join in with Damyanti, as my first point of contact, and though I don't do FB - I've blogged every month, I think.
I'm fairly certain I'll keep going - maybe in a simpler way - but I enjoy highlighting 'good projects' or thoughts - at least this way they spread a little further out into the world...
@ Alex - it is sad we've reached this point ... but it's opened doors to parts of the world, so many of us didn't know about ...
Delighted with your 'doozy' comment - I had to check out the meaning!
@ Keith - I do hope so ... and I do hope the good will appear soon - we've had enough of Putin and his controlling horrors.
The David Nott Foundation is extraordinary ... while it was very interesting to learn about Henry Marsh and his connection to Ukraine ...
Thanks to you all for supporting the #WATWB brand ... it's been an eye-opening experience for all of us - we've learnt so much about other parts of the world and the positives being done by many, and in so many parts of the world ... cheers Hilary
What a great post. So wonderful to see people in so many areas helping Ukraine and the people who are there (and who are seeking refuge). Thanks for sharing. :)
~Jess
When my son joined the US Army, they put him through a course on basic battlefield triage--sucking chest wounds and how to crazy glue wounds closed. I'm sure your warriors have a similar course. This program sounds excellent and needed.
What important work David Nott has done and continues to do. I will seek out his books.
I am sad to see WATWB come to a close. You have ended on an incredibly strong post.
Hats off to such healthcare professionals who do such an invaluable service to humanity. This was truly an inspirational post, Hilary!
Sad to know that #WATWB is being discontinued. It was you, Hilary, who introduced me to WATWB. I haven't been able to post as many posts as I would have liked. Though I haven't been able post or comment, I have read quite a number of posts in the series. All good things have to come to an end, as they say!
Even if there is no WATWB, we all can keep posting inspiring and positive stories as and we can.
Great post Hilary! Dr.Nott's courage and desire to step up in times of strife is so commendable.Thank you so much for being a part of #WATWB 🤗. It was an honour to connect with amazing and inspirational bloggers such as yourself, you made it such a wonderful journey.
Inspirational doctors - glad people like this exist!
@ Jess - thank you ... and yes - it is amazing to see how many people are stepping up to help Ukraine in its time of need ... and those seeking refuge are being given help as far as possible ...
@ Jacqui - thanks for this ... I'm sure most members of our Service organisations are given some form of basic medical training - while the Foundation concentrates on those horrors of War that need fixing ...
@ Donna - yes he's been inspirational. His training is perfect for the horror situation that each area needs. I'm sad to see 'the end' but as with all things ... it happens. I'm delighted this post seems a strong one to end on ...
@ Pradeep - yes ... so true - healthcare professionals helping and hopefully alleviating the cruelty being delivered by Putin. Thank you ...
Yes - it is sad to know # WATWB is being discontinued - though it'll still keep going in a minor format - well my side of things will be and I suspect others will too ...
It's always good to see you here - when you can comment too ... and they are always lovely to read ...
@ Belinda - thank you ... and thanks for always being there each month co-hosting # WATWB ... it's been fun to join in and see all the positive posts ... and yes it's been an honour to connect with new friends ...
@ Anabel - yes ... these doctors are quite extraordinary ... while the Foundation is superb ...
Cheers to one and all - Hilary
People like David Nott are really a blessing during these tough times. So glad to hear about the people helping in the midst of so much pain.
What a dreadful thing is happening over there right now! I’m glad there are people doing their best to teach how to heal.
Such wonderful and caring doctors. Your list of recent war zones sent chills down my spine, brought tears to my eyas. That may sound dramatic, but it's true. When will humans ever come to their/our senses?
Such caring and skilled doctors, it's heart stopping to think of the stresses of warzones. I can't believe how long the conflicts have gone on - high time to give peace a chance, why won't we learn?!
Your posts are always illuminating and informative, and so are some of the comments here. I know I'll continue to enjoy them in whichever format you carry on. All the best always!
It's great to hear they are getting such dedicated professionals to help them there in Ukraine, Hilary. They will be encountering medical traumas they've never seen before. much needed help from amazing people!
@ Elizabeth - yes ... he's been amazing and it is important we learn about what others are able to do in times of crisis, and be extremely creative in the process ... we are very fortunate ...
@ Sue - the Ukraine invasion really is just appalling and thank goodness there are people who are prepared to go over and beyond, so people in war zones are able to get some help ...
@ Inger - yes ... doctors are quite extraordinary. Thank you for noting the list of countries ... it was something I wanted to write up, so I and others remember earlier wars, unfortunately in our time, ... and we now realise how much people can be so thoughtless about others' lives and their history ...
@ Nila - thank you ... doctors obviously live with all horrors as they happen - and we are so lucky to have such caring and skilled people amongst our midst. It's appalling how autocratic dictators without impunity just carry on killing or injuring others ...
Thanks for the support and your thoughts here ... while it's wonderful so many commenters support # WATWB and the ethos the idea generated for us all. It's great I think many will continue to support the posts we offer to our readers ...
@ Val - yes we are fortunate that so many medics and volunteers are offering themselves to the Ukrainians to do whatever they can to help their country through this appalling invasion.
The peoples of Ukraine will be eternally grateful to the David Nott Foundation for all their medical guidance available to them ...
Thanks so much for visiting and commenting - comments are always appreciated, as Nila notes ... let's hope peace will be with the Ukrainians very soon - Hilary
Another worthy post. It's sad there's a need for quick training in all facets of war surgeries. But - what a man! Good job all around, and I'm sure there are folks living thanks to a trained person on the ground in Ukraine (and sadly so many other areas of the world).
You've done a great job shining the light. I shall look forward to seeing when you post, and if you trickle in to write more than you thought. Enjoy breaks and kicking back. You are a light and have shed light here in blog world. Thanks!
As a mother, I'm sad and terrified for all those involved. It's hard to stay positive, but knowing there are so many caring people ready to help in any way possible, it's uplifting. Best to you, Hilary.
I'm always heartened to learn about people with special skills who give their time and their expertise to help others. Many thanks to Dr. David Nott for stepping up when so many needed him. And thanks to you, Hilary, for posting about this man.
I love your posts dedicated to Ukraine.
I always wanted to join in on the We Are the World blogfest but never had the time or the idea of what to post (until recently when I thought my posts about causes might be good). I've appreciated your posts, though, Hilary.
@ Joanne - yes ... those of us not involved, don't realise what is going on back at home - David Nott came to the fore in the Syrian war, though he'd obviously been in many other war zones ...
I'll be posting as I have done - somewhat erratically, but always here - and I'll be posting similar # WATWB posts, still within the framework of # WATWB but not part of a regular group per se.
Thanks for the support re this type of posts ...
@ Joylene - yes I just feel for everyone, but can understand parents must feel the pain of the situation in Ukraine. The invasion is appalling - bringing so much misery to so many ... yet how many wonderful caring and courageous people have stepped up to help ...
@ Lee - yes ... I'd heard about him in Syria - but reading about him developing/adapting his way of 'teaching' medics in different arenas of invasion ... I felt I wanted to learn more, and write about David Nott here ... so thank you for commenting ...
@ Chrys - great to see you, thank you for your comment, particularly at the moment - you have a great deal going on in your life.
So pleased you've been interested in these few posts about Ukraine I've put up - I've learnt a great deal. Yes the # WATWB blogfest was inspirational in its inception ... while being involved has brought to my attention so many interesting stories about life. Your recent posts would most definitely have fitted in to the # WATWB postings ... but by posting you're bringing them to our attention.
Thanks so much to you all for being interested in these posts about this dreadful incursion - I cannot think how awful it must be.
I just hope peace can come very soon ... Hilary
Talk about making a positive difference in the world. I am hoping for peace to come soon as well.
Here to wish you a wonderful day.
Hi Rosey - thank you ... yes these two consultants and other medical trainers really do make a positive difference -
I can't believe what's happening ... it is so awful ...
I really wish someone would make a radical difference and save all those poor Ukrainians ...
Thank you - all the best to you too - Hilary
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