Hospital Ships

the horror the word WAR generates results in enormous need to care for patients with complex injuries. Internal damage can lead to multiple sites of haemorrhage. Organs damaged means loss of function. Skeletal fractures and smashed bones can result in systemic problems of infection and fat embolisms. Fractures need internal fixation and may also need amputation of limb affected. War trauma will involve severed limbs, open abdominal cavity and large area skin burns.. blast damage of lungs can lead to need to support cardio pulmonary system to ensure oxygenation and circulation to vital organs. A/E doctors, surgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, plastic surgeons will have to deal with all age groups suffering from cruel injuries from cruel designed weapons. The anaesthetists not only supporting pain management in surgery but needed as vital team members in ITU and HDU care. Nurses, pharmacists paramedics ODAs all necessary. The very obvious need for power to drive life support machinery, IV pumps, lighting and heating and filter air systems in OT.& to sterilise instruments. The supplies need water, dressings, drugs, food for patients & staff . In war.. hospitals  medics to international law must be respected and protected. Care givers are driven by a duty of care from a duty of compassion to whoever needs help. That help to which ever side presents with injuries. Of course there are medical patients with pre existing disease to care for and pregnant & birthing mothers to help. 

But we have seen hospitals bombed and medics lives lost giving care or at home with their families. So I joined a vigil outside Downing Street on Friday evening 10th Nov to remember those that had died.  It was very moving and painful to hear how such amazingly skilled caring people now lost. We had doctors that have worked in Gaza remembering the friendships that developed. Organisation such as Medicin sans Frontiere,  Medical Aid for Palestinians and Medact with media attended the vigil. Which was calm dignified and very very emotional.

I am campaigning for Hospital ships not war ships. IF the UN could negiotate not only ceasefire but break the sea blockade, then hospital ships could dock in the sea port. Their facilities with theatres and ITU beds could greatly help in csre of the sick and injured. So got my campaign placard in front of cameras in the vigil.. On Saturday circulated in the peace march in front of the US embassy and media cameras. Twittering the photos to key world leaders.