World news story

Princess sees top Russian trauma hospital

The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, visited children with severe brain injuries at Moscow’s top Institute of Emergency Children’s Surgery and Trauma.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

She was welcomed by Professor Georgy Golukhov, Minister of Health in the Moscow Government, and Professor Leonid Roshal, Director of the Institute.

After a presentation on its world-class trauma, neurosurgery and rehabilitation facilities by deputy director, Professor Svetlana Valiullina, the Princess was given a tour of the hospital. She met staff and their patients, some bravely fighting for their lives following serious brain injuries.

The Institute has strong connections with four hospitals in the UK thanks to an Engineering in Paralympics project led by the Science & Innovation section of the British Embassy in Moscow. During the 2012 London Paralympics, the Embassy’s science section brought Russian trauma & rehabilitation specialists to the UK, including Professor Valiullina, to meet with trauma and rehabilitation specialists at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, the Portland hospital in St John’s Wood , Queen Mary Hospital in London, and Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The successful project has led to the sharing of best practice.

The Moscow Institute is the top hospital of its kind in Russia with world class equipment. It also boasts a mobile medical team that works in disaster zones around the world. Professor Roshal is also known for his work in negotiating with terrorists and delivering medical aid during disasters including negotiating with terrorists during the 2004 hostage taking of a school in Beslan which reportedly saved the lives of over 400 parents.

Published 14 February 2014