Karin Forsberg Nilsson visiting a conference in Ukraine

What was the purpose of the conference and who attended?

“The conference had two objectives. Firstly, it aimed to foster collaboration between hospitals in Ukraine and EU. Secondly, it focused on Ukraine’s reform to integrate university departments with clinical departments to create university hospitals. This alignment is seen as crucial for enhancing quality of education and research, and for integration into the EU.

“The conference was opened by First Lady Olena Zelenska, followed by the Minister of Health, Viktor Liashko. Several speakers and panel members from Europe and Ukraine participated. A panel of students from Ukraine reflected on how medical studies are conducted during war.”

What was the reason for your participation?

“There were several reasons for my participation. I participated in the panel about developing and maintaining a sustainable partnership between university and healthcare. That is part of my daily work at home in our collaboration between Uppsala university and Region Uppsala/Uppsala University Hospital, But, of course, I was also there as a representative of Uppsala University and Sweden to show our support for Ukraine.”

What are your takeaways from the conference?

“The strength and capacity of the Ukrainian people is remarkable, as exemplified by the transfusion of 19 tonnes of donated blood during the war. Other numbers are horrific: A train a week arrives in Lviv, carrying severely wounded individuals. A speaker from Dnipro reported that just the previous night, 56 critically injured patients were admitted to his hospital.

“The work done under these conditions is extraordinary, though there is a lack of some critical materials. Thus, there is a need for partnerships between EU and Ukraine. The mental load on paramedics and medical workers is high. To alleviate some of the stress, a project presented addresses staff burnout.”

How did it feel to participate in a conference in a country in the middle of a war?

“Lviv is not as affected by the war as other parts of Ukraine, so, in many ways, the war wasn’t as visible, apart from the scheduled electricity outages. People went to work, brought their children to school and visited cafés and restaurants. At the same time, signs of war were unavoidable. For example, I saw soldiers on leave, and there were signs pointing to the nearest shelter, as air alerts could go off at anytime.

“I was profoundly inspired by the Ukrainian delegates and their heroic efforts to sustain healthcare and universities amidst the ongoing war. I return home with new friendships and a strong anticipation for future collaborations that will mutually benefit both our countries. Ukraine requires ongoing international support!”

Petter Nording Cronsten