The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has offered solidarity with the nurses and midwives who are caught up in the conflict in Ukraine.
INMO President, Karen McGowan said:
On behalf of Irish nurses, midwives, and the INMO Executive Council, I am sending solidarity with our nursing and midwifery colleagues in the Ukraine. Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine who are caught up in needless conflict.
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 the conflict.
The protection and safety of our 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.
INMO General Secretary, Phil Ni Sheaghdha said:
Together with nursing colleagues from across the world as part of the International Council of Nurses, we have sent messages of solidarity with our 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 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.