The University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering has donated a research ambulance and medical supplies to Ambulance Aid to support those living in Ukraine.
19 medical oxygen concentrators, which produce a continuous supply of oxygen and negate the need for regular bottled gas deliveries, were donated by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and loaded into the ambulance, with a further 30 also due to be donated.
Professor of Bioengineering Donal McNally, who coordinated the donation, said: “We used the ambulance as a testbed for technologies to make transporting very premature babies less stressful and safer. Now that this project is over, it is fantastic that it is going to continue saving lives and I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to this incredibly important cause.”
Launched in March 2022, Ambulance Aid’s mission is to fund the purchase of former ambulances and deliver them in partnership with Medical Aid Ukraine to where they are needed most. To date, 16 ambulances filled with medical supplies have already been delivered to Ukraine, with volunteers driving them across Europe to get there.
Claudine Pearson, Volunteer Director at Ambulance Aid, said: “Our strength comes from teamwork. So many local people have stepped up to do what they can, where they can. I’d like to express my thanks to those who have continued to support the cause, meaning we are able to deliver on the gifting of this vehicle from the University of Nottingham to help save lives in Ukraine.”
The ambulance and supplies will be driven out to Ukraine early next month after it’s undergone service checks, joining the 16 other ambulances already serving there.
Professor Sam Kingman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Engineering, added: “After a successful project I’m happy to see our research ambulance being put to another crucial cause and would like to congratulate Donal for coordinating such a fantastic assortment of supplies for Ambulance Aid. The fact he’s been able to collect such an impressive variety of equipment is a testament to how many people want to aid those affected by the war in Ukraine.”
