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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Patrick Edrich

Alder Hey 'proud' to take Ukrainian children for cancer treatment

Alder Hey Children's Hospital said it's "proud" to be one of seven paediatric hospitals across England taking in Ukrainian children for lifesaving cancer treatment.

21 Ukrainian children were evacuated to England over the weekend to start their package of lifesaving cancer treatment. The children are now all under the case of NHS specialist hospital services.

A team of NHS specialists travelled to Poland to provide the children and their families with medical support. Dr Michael Griksaitis, who led the trip, said he was overwhelmed by the "human tragedy" they saw in the war-hit region.

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The children arrived in England on Sunday night and received health assessments in Birmingham before being sent to Alder Hey and six other hospitals. The hospitals are providing the best clinical support to meet each patient's specific needs.

Louise Shepherd, Chief Executive of Alder Hey, said the hospital was "proud" to welcome the children from Ukraine and support them on their road to recovery. She said: "It is unimaginable what they have already been through and we're looking forward to welcoming them and offering them a home from home, comfort and hope."

NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard said the treatment "is a lifeline for children in the most vulnerable circumstances imaginable". She added: “It is hard to overstate how much today will mean for the parents, brothers and sisters of these children, as they start the next phase of a hugely traumatic journey to a healthier and safer future.

“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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