'Relief' as 21 Ukrainian children arrive in UK for life-saving cancer treatment

Ukrainian children “forced out of their home country” are to receive life-saving cancer treatment in England after being flown in from Poland by the UK government.

The 21 children and their immediate family members landed in England from Poland and will be triaged by NHS clinicians to understand their health needs before being sent to NHS hospitals in England to continue their care.

A doctor who led a medical team which evacuated the children with cancer to the UK told Sky News that the team “flew the children back to the UK successfully” and it was “quite an emotional experience” for the team.

'Without this support, they could die'

Dr Michael Griksaitis, consultant paediatric intensivist at University Hospital Southampton, said the age range of children brought to the UK is “ranging from babies through to teenagers with different kinds of cancers. All these children have varying degrees of illnesses.

“We were just privileged and honoured that we could help. Without this support, they could die.”

Dr Griksaitis said their journey was “very emotional” for them. When they boarded the plane, "they started off obviously afraid. Some of the stories of what these children had been through - I can't even begin to imagine.

"To have that on its own is bad enough for anyone - but to have that whilst having treatment for cancer, it was just astronomical.

"The language barrier was a problem, we had some incredible translators for the children who were well enough to be able to communicate and talk. “When we landed, the children were high fiving, smiling and playing.”

Hospitals in Poland have taken in many children needing healthcare who have arrived from Ukraine. With more children crossing the border requiring immediate treatment, the UK has responded to Poland’s call for support from international partners to provide additional care.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “I am appalled by the atrocities we’ve seen in Ukraine and the despicable attacks being carried out on innocent civilians.

“I am proud the UK is offering lifesaving medical care to these Ukrainian children, who have been forced out of their home country by the Russian invasion while undergoing medical treatment.

“I know that the incredible staff in the NHS will ensure they get the best possible care. I am hugely grateful to our partners and our Polish friends for their support in bringing these children to the UK.

“We stand together with the people of Ukraine and will continue to do all we can to help them.”