The situation in Ukraine remains extremely difficult, with direct impacts on health and care services, supplies of medicines and equipment; as well as indirect health impacts, including on mental health. 

To date NHS National Services Scotland has successfully provided 79 pallets of medical equipment and consumables valued at over £1.6 m for flights to Poland and onwards transport into Ukraine coordinated by the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office. 

How the Scottish Government and NHS in Scotland are Responding 

The Scottish Government and NHS National Services Scotland will coordinate donations of medical humanitarian aid and offers of support from the NHS in Scotland in the coming days and weeks. 

The Scottish Government knows that many in the health and care system in Scotland want to help and we will continue to work with NHS Boards if there are specific opportunities where together we can address medical and health supply gaps identified by the Government of Ukraine, WHO or other recognised international humanitarian partners. 

This will ensure any offers of assistance are aligned with need. 

How Individuals and Community Groups Can Respond 

People and community groups in Scotland have asked how they can help. The Scottish Government has confirmed the best way to help the people of Ukraine is to donate funds to, or volunteer with, charities that are registered in Scotland, or the rest of the UK, that have an ongoing relief operation. Cash donations through established and well-coordinated emergency response appeal mechanisms, such as the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC), are the most effective way to support populations in crisis. 

The Disaster Emergency Committee has launched an appeal specifically for Ukraine, full details of which are available at:

Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal Disasters Emergency Committee (dec.org.uk)

https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal

A website has also been created to help Scots make donations in a secure and effective way. More information on the UNICEF UK appeal can be found at: 

https://www.unicef.org.uk/donate/donate-now-to-protectchildren-in-ukraine/