28th January 2025

NIAS recently hosted representatives of the “Ukrainians in Northern Ireland” community group, along with the Northern Ireland Honorary Consul to Ukraine, Alan Moore. The group was established, following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, by Ukrainians who have been living in Northern Ireland for many years.
They continue to work hard to find ways in which they can support their families and friends who remain in Ukraine. Last year they made a request, to DoH and NIAS, for a decommissioned ambulance from NIAS which we were only happy to provide. They have updated us on the tremendous use it has been put to in their homeland. The benefit of having it prompted an approach for a second vehicle. Working with the Department of Health, NIAS was again able to identify an ambulance which, although no longer suitable for day to day use in NI, would complement the vehicle already in Ukraine. Our hope remains that it will provide support to the people of Ukraine at a time when they need it most.
Our Chief Executive, Michael Bloomfield spoke of how pleased he was that the original ambulance provided had helped many sick and injured. He expressed his sadness that the war continues, and that people continue to suffer. He expressed his hope that the war will come to an end but that in the meantime NIAS was honoured to be able to support their efforts to help their fellow citizens.
Oleg Shankaruk, Chairman of the group, expressed their continuing gratitude to the people of Northern Ireland for their kindness and especially NIAS and DoH for the gift of the two ambulances.