Nurses and midwives send message of solidarity to colleagues in Ukraine

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has sent a message of solidarity to nurses and midwives who are caught up in the conflict in Ukraine.

INMO president, Karen McGowan, said that on behalf of Irish nurses and midwives, as well as the INMO Executive Council, she is sending solidarity to their counterparts in Ukraine.

“Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine who are caught up in needless conflict,” she said.

“Nurses and midwives in Ukraine have gone from one healthcare crisis into another. Many are now working once again on the frontlines not knowing how their loved ones are coping in the middle of conflict.”

Karen McGowan said that the protection and safety of nurses and health systems are paramount and enshrined in international law.

“We call on all parties involved in the conflict and the international community to do everything in their power to protect the safety of our nurses who often put themselves in mortal danger to care for others.

“Access to healthcare and the delivery of humanitarian assistance must remain a priority for all concerned as we see cities under attack and tens of thousands of people being displaced.”

The INMO’s general secretary, Phil Ni Sheaghdha, said that together with nursing colleagues from across the world, they have sent messages of solidarity to their colleagues in Ukraine, who are working in deeply frightening circumstances.

“Further meetings to discuss how we can provide more assistance to our Ukrainian colleagues will be held at meetings of the European Federation of Nurses and European Public Services Trade Unions this week.”

“The people being displaced must be assured of solidarity assistance from European Union member states, and we will be calling on the Irish Government to use our voice at EU level to ensure we can support those who have been displaced at this time.

“Cuirimid ár ndlúthpháirtíocht chuig ár gcomhghleacaithe Úcráinis ag an am uafásach seo.”