Dnipro's central hospital stands as a testament to the relentless toll of war on Ukraine. Since Russia's invasion in 2022, the facility has transformed into the primary center for treating both soldiers and civilians wounded across eastern and southern Ukraine. The hospital now faces a constant influx of victims, with injuries evolving from bullet wounds to more catastrophic damage from drones, missiles, and glide bombs.
The Daily Grind of Trauma
Hospital director Sergiy Ryzhenko oversees a staggering number of operations daily, ranging from 50 to 100. The injuries are often gruesome, with patients arriving unconscious or with severe mutilations. The medical staff relies on dark humor to cope with the daily horrors they witness. 'One guy's intestines were sticking out. He was holding it in with his hands,' recalls nurse Ruslana Vorobyova.
A Glimmer of Hope
Amidst the chaos, moments of joy emerge. Obstetrician Olga Fandeieva, who splits her shifts between trauma and maternity wards, finds solace in delivering babies. 'When you look at young guys who've had their arms and legs cut off, and then in the morning you come here and you take these little paws in your hands -- it's a reset,' she says. These moments remind the staff of the purpose behind their grueling work.
Despite the relentless nature of their work, the hospital continues to function, treating an average of 1958 trauma surgeries in the first five months of the year. Since 2022, the hospital has performed nearly 60,000 operations. The medical staff, though exhausted, perseveres, driven by the need to save lives in the face of ongoing conflict.
The hospital's resilience is a stark contrast to the destruction around it. Dnipro, more than 100 kilometers from the front line, still faces frequent Russian attacks. The staff's dedication and the community's support are crucial in maintaining the hospital's operations, ensuring that those wounded in the conflict receive the care they desperately need.
