The Norwegian Armed Forces Medical Services (Forsvarets sanitet, FSAN) have recently conducted training for Ukrainian medical personnel related to the rehabilitation hospital that Norway supports through Operation Renovator. The training focused on an advanced X-ray machine now being donated to enhance the hospital's diagnostic capacity.
– This X-ray machine provides the rehabilitation hospital with modern diagnostic capability, and the training of the personnel ensures that the equipment can be utilised from day one, says Tomas Beck, Head of Land Capabilities at the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (Forsvarsmateriell).
During their stay in Norway, the Ukrainian participants underwent both lectures and practical training, according to the press release from the Norwegian Armed Forces (Forsvaret). The visit was primarily held at Sunnaas Hospital to provide insight into the Norwegian organisation of complex rehabilitation. The specific training on the X-ray equipment was conducted at the Radium Hospital.
The equipment used during the training is of the same type that will soon be delivered to Ukraine. The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (FMA) is responsible for the procurement and adaptation of the materiel to the rehabilitation centre.
The donation is part of Operation Renovator, a NATO-led initiative where Norway, along with Sweden and the United Kingdom, contributes to building Ukraine's capacity to treat injured soldiers, according to the statement. The collaboration involves, in addition to FSAN and FMA, the Norwegian Defence Estates Agency (Forsvarsbygg) for infrastructure support.
– I am very pleased that we have succeeded in both the training and procurement of the X-ray machine for the personnel and the rehabilitation hospital in Ukraine. I am also impressed by how quickly they are developing their medical services and how effectively they are acquiring new skills, says Brigadier General Petter Iversen, Head of FSAN.