Inverness surgeon Andy Kent highlights a deteriorating humanitarian situation in war-torn Ukraine on the first anniversary of Russia's invasion
An Inverness surgeon who has risked his life to treat the injured in Ukraine has spoken of mounting casualties and an “appalling legacy” of physical and psychological trauma in the war-torn nation.
Andy Kent, a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon based at Raigmore Hospital, recently returned from the latest of several mercy missions to the war zone.
Awarded an OBE in the King’s New Year’s honours list for his work abroad, Mr Kent described a deteriorating humanitarian situation in the eastern European country on the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
In a grim assessment of the heartbreaking challenges facing Ukraine, the medic also paid tribute to the courage and heroics of its medical professionals.
“It is hard to believe tomorrow is the anniversary of the Russian invasion,” Mr Kent said.
“The situation in eastern Ukraine is, if anything, worse than ever.
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“The casualty rate is higher than it’s ever been – on both sides – and the Ukrainian medics are incredibly busy.
“Their dedication and professionalism is incredible.
“It’s been an honour to work with them and I do feel a little guilty being safe at home right now.”
Mr Kent is a member of UK Med which works in partnership with the UK Government Foreign and Commonwealth Department where help is needed around the world.
His next deployment could be to Turkey or Syria, given the recent earthquakes in those countries.
The dad of four, who is married to Jill, said: “Obviously, the recent earthquakes in the Middle East have attracted the public interest and international humanitarian aid tends to follow that.
“It’s vital that we continue to support both disasters.
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“As an orthopaedic surgeon, I am appalled by the level of limb injuries we are seeing (in Ukraine).
“There will be a lasting legacy of physical disability which we (UK-Med) are trying to mitigate by bringing in experts in limb reconstruction and rehabilitation.
“The other legacy will be in chronic psychological effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affecting not just the military casualties, but also civilian casualties, their families and the medical community who are treating them.”
The Raigmore consultant was awarded the OBE for services to UK health support overseas, particularly in Ukraine, and during the pandemic.
Mr Kent, who has been a doctor and surgeon for 40 years, was first redeployed from Yemen to Ukraine in March last year.
As the war intensified, Mr Kent dedicated time to helping hospital staff prepare as far as possible for dealing with multiple casualties arising from Russian aggression.
After the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, he helped various countries obtain supplies and helped direct the UK Government on what aid should be sent.
In all, he has undertaken three missions to Ukraine totalling 26 weeks of service in the war zone.
