“We are currently witnessing the darkest hours in Europe in many decades, with the European Union standing united at Ukraine’s side. The task now is to support the Ukrainian people with humanitarian aid. That’s why we created a platform called ‘Lower Austria helps’, with which we bundle and coordinate all the offers of help from the Lower Austrian compatriots, communities and organizations, so that the help reaches the people quickly and unbureaucratically,” says Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner.
Numerous beds have already been donated
Over 350 beds have already arrived in Ukraine. They were mainly taken to the Pustomytivska Central District Hospital in Lviv, Ukraine. The outstanding beds will be delivered to Ukraine along with the medical equipment in the coming days and weeks. So far, the Lower Austrian fire brigades have supported the transport. Some of the medical equipment for Ukraine was registered as part of European disaster relief. The Federal Ministry of the Interior is responsible for coordination here.
In addition to the donations, the Lower Austrian state health agency is also preparing for the treatment of Ukrainian refugees. “As the state health agency of Lower Austria, it is very clear to us that we can provide unused beds or medical devices that are no longer in use and thus help people and medical staff on site in the best possible way. In addition, we are prepared in the Lower Austrian clinics to offer the fleeing people treatments if they need medical care,” says Board Member Konrad Kogler.
Further support promised
Together with doctors who are friends from the Ukrainian hospital in Lemberg, the commercial site manager Karl Binder from the state clinic in Gmünd has often organized the delivery of relief supplies. “Due to my personal contacts in Ukraine, I have been coordinating the delivery of relief goods and beds for many years. The current situation is tragic and we are therefore trying to help with the delivery,” says Binder.
Support was also promised from the LK Korneuburg-Stockerau. “We are also happy to support the campaign on the part of the LK Korneuburg-Stockerau. We can provide a total of 123 beds from the clinic,” says commercial site manager Brigitte Straub.
Material and monetary donations required
The nationwide campaign “Initiative NÖ hilft” continues to collect donations in kind and money for Ukraine. Beds and accommodation are also still being sought in Austria for those arriving. The coordination, as well as further information, is available at www.noehilft.at or via the hotline 02742/9005-15000 or via email [email protected].