Standing with Ukraine

Over the last two days I have experienced immense sadness, and deep inspiration and appreciation.?

I arrived in Poland on Sunday with a couple of other Bupa colleagues so that we could witness the great work our LUX MED team is doing to help care for and treat refugees who have arrived in Poland over the last four weeks. Importantly, I wanted to thank our teams for what they are doing.?

The sadness was everywhere. We visited the Warsaw Expo area where refugees have found shelter (four huge spaces, much like an aircraft hangar that’s usually used for exhibitions) and we saw for ourselves the extent of the humanitarian crisis. Thousands of beds, and displaced women and children with their limited possessions. It’s horrifying that 80% of the Ukrainian refugees coming to Poland are children, they will have seen acts of war and be missing loved ones who stayed behind to fight. These children are suffering and we have a responsibility to do whatever we can - they are the next generation, and they will remember how we treat them now for the rest of their lives.?

What was so inspiring is that hope and action were everywhere too. In one month, the city of Warsaw has mobilised. We saw great organisation and delivery. From the central train station where most refugees first arrive, to the Expo area where many have to stay, there are volunteers who have co-ordinated swiftly to create systems that work. Blankets, nappies, food and supplies are all available. These feel like safe, calm spaces which is so important for people who have already been through so much.?

And I felt profound appreciation too, the people of Poland are showing the world what kindness looks like, and our team in LUX MED are playing a vital role. They have demonstrated what it is to take responsibility, make fast decisions and move to action. The team recently set up a refugee helpline within 48 hours of the start of the war, and near the central station and at the Expo they have swiftly set up outpatient clinics too. For them to do this they have worked tirelessly- long days and weekends making big personal sacrifices. For this, we are so grateful. It’s because of them we can now treat the foot and leg injuries of refugees who have walked long distances, offer paediatrics and gynaecology services, provide chronic illness management, administer Covid vaccinations and of course mental health support. It’s painful to think how many children need this service now.?

We also met some Ukrainian medics who have arrived in Poland in recent weeks and they offered to help too; Anastasia, Ivan and Andrii, impressive young people who are helping our LUX MED doctors and nurses with translations, and supporting in any way they can. Despite going through their own challenges, they’re still showing up every day to help.?

The LUX MED team are bringing compassion in spades. I’m so grateful that I've been able to witness it first hand and thank them all on behalf of the rest of us at Bupa. Thank you, to everyone at LUX MED, who are living our values, and our purpose, every day – we are so, so proud of you, and we stand with you and the people of Ukraine.?