'M*A*S*H' Medics Welcomed Back

Local Territorial Army medics who provided critical, emergency care and life-saving theatre operations under extremely pressured war-zone conditions have been welcomed back to NI.

The NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey yesterday welcomed the safe return of the 204 (North Irish) Field Hospital healthcare reservists from Afghanistan.

Speaking in advance of a 'Welcome Home Parade' for all of the service people involved that is scheduled to take place in Belfast on 2 November, the Minister said: "I welcome the safe return of our colleagues from as they arrive back in Northern Ireland, home to family and loved ones.

"During my recent visit to Helmand Province I saw at first hand the critical medical support these men and women have provided to those injured in the conflict.

"I was deeply impressed by their bravery, and the compassion and care they showed for all their patients," he said.

"We are very proud of their commitment to delivering the very best healthcare, in often very difficult circumstances, to not only those serving in the Armed Forces but also the citizens of Afghanistan."

Some 70 personnel from a wide range of specialisms across the health service were deployed to the UK Medical Group hospital at Camp Bastion.

During their three month tour of duty, the reservists dealt with around 600 admissions to the hospital and carried out almost 400 operations providing medical care and support to the casualties from the Armed Forces, the Afghan National army, the Taliban and Afghan civilians including children.

The Minister continued: "The reservists' expertise has proved invaluable in Afghanistan. The skills they took with them have been instrumental in making a huge contribution to saving lives."

The 204 (North Irish) Field Hospital (Volunteers) is Northern Ireland's only Territorial Army field hospital and was deployed to Afghanistan in mid July.

On-the-spot reports from journalists during their tour underlined the particularly bloody and sometimes gruesome nature of their work as amputations and major, life-saving operations were carried out in a highly pressured environment.

Meanwhile, UK health care workers who provide care for the Armed Forces, were also recognised last night in a ceremony attended by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London.

The inaugural 'Military and Civilian Health Partnership Awards' highlighted exceptional individuals and teams from across the UK working in fields such as deployed healthcare, care of veterans, mental health, education and training and innovation.

Among them was Dr Mark Sheridan, Consultant Anaesthetist from Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry, who was nominated for the category of Healthcare Reservist of the Year.

Speaking from the awards ceremony, NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "We have been able to acknowledge those doctors and nurses in health and social care who, in spite of busy careers, make their skills available to support the armed forces, both at home and abroad.

"I want to pay particular tribute to Dr Mark Sheridan from Altnagelvin Hospital, who was nominated for Healthcare Reservist of the Year," he said.

(BMcC)