Some of the most vulnerable refugees to have fled the conflict in Ukraine are now receiving lifesaving cancer care at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH).
It comes after 21 Ukrainian children were evacuated to England at the weekend.
Following their arrival in the country on Sunday night, each of the children have now all received health assessments by NHS staff and have been triaged to seven hospitals throughout the UK to get the clinical support to meet their specific needs – and one of those hospitals is the specialist children’s site on Oxford Road.
Following an urgent plea from Polish officials, a team of NHS doctors, nurses, and technicians travelled to Poland at the weekend to provide medical support to the children on their journey out of the war-torn region.
“We feel privileged to be able to care for these children and offer support to their families at such a difficult time,” said Dr Rachael Barber, medical director of the RMCH.
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“There has been a determination among our staff to try to help in any way we can.
21 Ukrainian children will receive lifesaving cancer treatment through the NHS in England.
This is part of the government’s wider humanitarian response to the Ukraine conflict with more than 650,000 medical items already delivered. #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) March 13, 2022
“We have supported the UK’s national equipment and medical supplies assistance to Ukraine, and we will now be using our clinical expertise to ensure that these children get the care they need.”
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NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard added: “Today is a lifeline for children in the most vulnerable circumstances imaginable.
“Anyone who has experienced cancer knows it is an ordeal for friends and relatives too, so I’m proud that not only have NHS staff been able to put their world-class skill to work to save the lives of these young people, but that in doing so, my colleagues in the health service are providing hope to our new patients’ families.”
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21 Ukrainian children were evacuated to England at the weekend for lifesaving cancer care / Credit: DEC (via Twitter)
“These brave children have overcome unimaginable adversity to make it to England after being forced out of their home country by the Russian invasion,” added Health Secretary Sajid Javid.
“I thank the doctors, nurses and technicians who travelled to Poland to evacuate them, and the Polish government for their support as these children are now in the safest of hands with NHS staff providing world-class cancer treatment, doing everything they can to support them over the coming days and weeks.”
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and will remain at the forefront of the humanitarian response,” he concluded.
Featured Image – RMCH
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Emily Sergeant -
16th March 2022 
