Earthquakes in Turkey/Syria border region

We are shocked and saddened by the news from Turkey and Syria of the devastation and loss of life following the major earthquakes earlier this week.

Here at the Trust, we are proud to be at the centre of our community, and we know that many members of that community and our own staff, have strong connections to the affected countries.

This is a terrible time for many who are hearing the news coming out of Turkey and Syria and in some cases waiting to hear whether their loved ones are safe. It is a time where we must all come together as one to support each another.

We have had many requests from staff and members of our community about how they can best help to support those impacted. We know that aid agencies and international relief organisations frequently indicate that financial support – which can deployed flexibly in the affected region, and support economic recovery as well as disaster relief – is preferred over physical donations.

However, Physicians Across Continents (PAC) is looking for medical volunteers to go out to the affected regions, as well as raising money to provide direct medical care to those affected. PAC is UK registered international medical relief charity founded and chaired by Professor Matin Sheriff, Consultant Urological Surgeon at Medway NHS Foundation Trust. He also helped with the rescue mission following the devastating earthquake in Kashmir in 2005.

Teams have already been rallied by PAC and are on the ground providing emergency medical aid.

To find out more visit www.physiciansac.org or to donate go to https://app.donorfy.com/form/SXU2SX5D28/QQL7M

If you are interested in volunteering visit https://physiciansac.org/volunteer-with-us

If you’re able to donate financially to support the earthquake response, you can also do so through a trusted aid organisation such as Islamic Relief, International Rescue Committee, Action Aid or the British Red Cross.