The Minister met with members of the Royal Irish Regiment and some of the 70 reservists who are members of the 204 (North Irish) Field Hospital (Volunteers) and who have been deployed to the UK Medical Group hospital at Camp Bastion in Helmand Province. The reservists, from a wide range of specialisms across the health service are providing critical medical support to the Armed Forces and the citizens of Afghanistan.
The Minister said: "It is incredible to see the reach of our health service into such a conflict-ridden country as Afghanistan. It was a privilege to meet with all those reservists and those soldiers who are working in very difficult conditions to care for and treat those who have been injured in the conflict. I was deeply impressed by their bravery and the compassion and care they showed for all their patients.”
During his visit, the Minister was also able to see at first hand the excellent facilities that staff are working in, with all the equipment you would expect to find in a hospital in Northern Ireland.
He said: “Since they arrived in Afghanistan in June, the reservists have dealt with around 600 admissions to the field hospital and carried out almost 400 operations. One third of those treated were Afghan civilians, a further third were Afghan police or army and the final third were coalition forces.”
He continued: “Many of those who were brought to the hospital were suffering from terrible injuries which sadly would be all too familiar to those health service staff who have worked in Northern Ireland for years. However, the expertise of the medical staff was outstanding and their skills in dealing with such traumatic injuries have been highly valued by both the armed forces and Afghan people.
“I was witness to many tragic and uplifting events during my short time in Afghanistan. I heard from those young soldiers who come from across Northern Ireland who brave landmines and other attacks while trying to bring stability to Afghanistan.
“No-one is turned away from the field hospital; Afghan civilians, members of the army and police as well as coalition forces and even members of the Taliban who have been hurt in the conflict. I saw a six-month old baby called Dauod who suffered a broken femur as a result of Taliban action. Another young female child was being cared for in the hospital after no family member had come back to claim her.
“The reservists will soon return home, and while their expertise has proved invaluable in Afghanistan, I know that they will return home with new skills which will be used to benefit patients across Northern Ireland.”
As well as visiting the Field Hospital, the Minister also received a briefing from members of the Royal Irish Regiment who are serving in Afghanistan.
“I was very impressed by how professional and highly trained these soldiers are, indeed the entire military operation in Afghanistan is outstanding. Despite the fact that so many of these RIR soldiers are very young, they have shown remarkable courage in the face of very real danger. I met soldiers from all over the province, from Belfast to Larne, from Portadown and Omagh who are all committed to protecting the people of Afghanistan.
“I am proud to have seen at first hand their efforts and they should be very proud of the difference they are making to the lives of so many people who are suffering. I must also commend Colonel Iain Moles and his team for their outstanding leadership and commitment in supporting the Regular Army.”
The 204 (North Irish) Field Hospital (Volunteers) is Northern Ireland’s only Territorial Army field hospital and will be deployed to Afghanistan from mid-July until October.
Notes to Editors:
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