POTTSVILLE (July 23, 2023) - Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill has extended a helping hand to war-torn Ukraine by donating a crucial piece of medical equipment.
The hospital's clinical and executive leaders have contributed a GE Sonosite S-Nerve ultrasound, which is expected to make a significant difference in the lives of people struggling to access healthcare amidst the ongoing conflict.
The ultrasound equipment will play a vital role in assisting clinicians in gaining better vascular access and providing regional anesthesia.
The ultrasound equipment will play a vital role in assisting clinicians in gaining better vascular access and providing regional anesthesia.
Dr. Ivan Grynyshin, a native Ukrainian and an experienced anesthesiologist serving Schuylkill County for over two decades, expressed his delight in the hospital's generosity. Despite its age, the ultrasound remains in good working condition, making it a valuable asset for medical professionals in Ukraine.
The realities of providing healthcare in a war zone are incredibly challenging, with resources often falling short of the number of injuries and casualties. Medical facilities in Ukraine have been grappling with high demands for equipment, technology, and supplies to cater to wounded military personnel and civilians.
Dr. Carmella Shemansik, an anesthesiologist at LVH - Schuylkill, shed light on the common injuries prevalent in Ukrainian hospitals since the war began. Injuries to the arms and legs have been frequent, making ultrasound technology indispensable in treating such cases. The device enables doctors to perform peripheral nerve blocks by precisely visualizing nerves and their surrounding structures, ensuring accurate placement of local anesthetic.
"Once the extremity is completely numb, surgeries can then be performed without the patient feeling any discomfort," explained Dr. Shemansik, emphasizing the profound impact the ultrasound can have on patient care.
The donation became possible because LVH - Schuylkill had recently upgraded to the latest ultrasound equipment. Dr. Grynyshin seized the opportunity to fulfill a personal mission - providing much-needed medical devices to a physician classmate and friend at the Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University in Ukraine. Having family and friends still residing in the nation affected by the war, his determination to aid the struggling healthcare system was unwavering.
Dr. Grynyshin expressed gratitude for the hospital's decision to make the ultrasound available for those in need. Despite the challenging conditions in Ukraine's healthcare system, he remains optimistic that the donated equipment will be put to use in a Ukrainian hospital within the next 30 days.
"We will get it ready for shipping, and it will be sent with other equipment and technology, which have also been donated," stated Dr. Grynyshin, highlighting the collective efforts to support the medical community in Ukraine during these difficult times.
The realities of providing healthcare in a war zone are incredibly challenging, with resources often falling short of the number of injuries and casualties. Medical facilities in Ukraine have been grappling with high demands for equipment, technology, and supplies to cater to wounded military personnel and civilians.
Dr. Carmella Shemansik, an anesthesiologist at LVH - Schuylkill, shed light on the common injuries prevalent in Ukrainian hospitals since the war began. Injuries to the arms and legs have been frequent, making ultrasound technology indispensable in treating such cases. The device enables doctors to perform peripheral nerve blocks by precisely visualizing nerves and their surrounding structures, ensuring accurate placement of local anesthetic.
"Once the extremity is completely numb, surgeries can then be performed without the patient feeling any discomfort," explained Dr. Shemansik, emphasizing the profound impact the ultrasound can have on patient care.
The donation became possible because LVH - Schuylkill had recently upgraded to the latest ultrasound equipment. Dr. Grynyshin seized the opportunity to fulfill a personal mission - providing much-needed medical devices to a physician classmate and friend at the Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University in Ukraine. Having family and friends still residing in the nation affected by the war, his determination to aid the struggling healthcare system was unwavering.
Dr. Grynyshin expressed gratitude for the hospital's decision to make the ultrasound available for those in need. Despite the challenging conditions in Ukraine's healthcare system, he remains optimistic that the donated equipment will be put to use in a Ukrainian hospital within the next 30 days.
"We will get it ready for shipping, and it will be sent with other equipment and technology, which have also been donated," stated Dr. Grynyshin, highlighting the collective efforts to support the medical community in Ukraine during these difficult times.
Submitted Photo
