UK delivers modernised rehabilitation wards to Ukraine

Above: A bathroom before and after modernisation. 
Courtesy MoD / Crown Copyright

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) and the Defence Medical Services have been working together for two years on this project, and representatives were on site to sign the formal handover documents.

Renovator is a NATO funded project to expand Ukraine’s military medical rehabilitation services and help troops who suffered life-changing injuries to return to the frontline and help them readjust to civilian life. The UK was the first nation to join the project, responsible for refurbishing, equipping and providing training to one site, and providing urgent support to the other sites as they awaited NATO partners. Norway, Sweden, Lithuania and Latvia have now joined the project and the UK is working alongside them to deliver a fully integrated rehabilitation capability for Ukraine.

Nearly all core work for the project has now been delivered, including; two heating and hot water systems to enhance resilience at two sites, five modernised wards with accommodation, treatment spaces and staff facilities, a range of physical training kit, clinical equipment and diagnostics capabilities to support rehabilitation and training and four deployed training teams providing specialist clinical shoulder-to-shoulder mentoring and training. The project has increased bed capacity by 250, and delivered over 21,000 items of equipment.  The final element before achievement of Full Operating Capability will be the installation of a modern CT scanner to enhance diagnostics for complex trauma injuries.

Colonel Simon Doyle, the Renovator Project Director said: "This has been an enormous team effort from our Ukrainian hosts and colleagues, industry, and the UK. Standing here now it is difficult to believe that the full scale invasion had put this facility totally out of action, and now it is helping return Defenders to the fight with the brand-new high-quality facilities they deserve. We look forward to helping you on the next stage of developing this amazing facility."

Colonel Victor Korchenok, the Site Deputy Commander said: "It is a great honour to mark the handover of the last ward. The UK was the first nation to support Renovator, providing infrastructure development, modern rehabilitation, surgical and diagnostic equipment, and training for our professionals. Each component has greatly enhanced our rehabilitation capabilities and improved the quality of care for our defenders who protect our sovereignty."

Rickie Nixon, the Defence Equipment and Support Operations Team Leader said: "We started this project two years ago, and have come a long way. Our small team has achieved so much here on the Renovator sites, and we are hugely grateful for the opportunity to support our friends in Ukraine on such an important project."

Andriy Dyshuk, director of Ukrainian construction company Fragola Government Services, said: "This project demonstrates how proper cooperation between two countries, even in the most difficult conditions, can deliver massive results. It is not just words but the physical outcome that matters. This success was only possible through stakeholder collaboration, and I thank Prevail and the United Kingdom for their efforts."