Southampton Children's Hospital team scoop award at star-studded event
A team of medics from Southampton Children’s Hospital have been honoured in a national awards ceremony for their heroic efforts in transporting 21 young Ukrainian cancer patients back to England so they could continue their life-saving treatment.
The nine-strong team from the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit were nominated for ‘Best Team’ at this year’s Who Cares Wins awards, following their mission to the Polish border in March this year.
Working alongside colleagues from Birmingham Children’s Hospital, they triaged the children – some of whom were critically ill – before boarding the plane where they had set up makeshift hospital beds and bays in the aisles.
The mission, which was planned and executed within a matter of days and led by Dr Michael Griksaitis from University Hospital Southampton, was supported by multiple teams across the NHS. The children were brought to the UK with one parent or grandparent, and then taken to hospitals across the country to be cared for.
Among them was 12-year-old Kyrylo, who was being treated for his cancer at University College Hospital London. It was there, when Michael paid a visit to see the youngster, that David Beckham made a surprise appearance to see Kyrylo and present him with a signed football shirt and congratulate Michael and his team on the successful mission.
The Best Team trophy was presented to Michael and the PICU team by former England goalkeeper David Seaman and footballing legend Harry Redknapp at a glitzy ceremony which was shown on Channel 4 on Sunday evening.
Speaking about the Best Team award, Michael said: “We are honoured to have won this award. It was an amazing experience to see the whole of UHS to pull together to support us in the preparation to go, the mission itself and in the support we got in the aftermath following an emotional 36-hour period.
“The award also allows us to reflect and recognise how the whole NHS and other agencies can work together in times of crisis to delivery outstanding care to people in need.
“It was also a bittersweet award to win - the children and their families of the Ukraine should never have needed us. They are the real heroes.”
Freya Pearson, deputy chief medical officer at Southampton Children’s Hospital, said: “I am incredibly proud of the whole PICU team – those who volunteered to travel on the mission and those who made it possible back on the unit by stepping in to cover shifts. They all work tirelessly every day to provide the very best care and support to all children and their families and it is great to see their efforts honoured with this award.”
