Hämeenlinna hospital equipment sent to Ukraine in large volunteer packing effort

Equipment and furniture from the old Hämeenlinna Central Hospital in Finland are being donated to Ukraine, with volunteers working to pack a major shipment, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle. The effort comes as Finland has sent nearly 90 truckloads of medical supplies to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Kanta-Häme’s social and healthcare authority is donating unused hospital beds, medical devices, and other supplies from the decommissioned facility. The old hospital was vacated in March after the new Assi Hospital opened in phases.

“The largest single batch from Hämeenlinna is hospital beds that are no longer needed here,” said Petrus Kukkonen, the authority’s finance and investment director. Other surplus equipment not transferred to the new hospital will also be sent.

Ukrainian authorities review a list of available items and select what they require. The value of the shipment is difficult to estimate, but Kukkonen stressed that all donated goods are functional and will have significant use in Ukraine.

Around 30 volunteers—mostly retirees—are working to clear the hospital by the end of June. Heikki Suonuuti, one volunteer, said it was important that usable items go to Ukraine rather than waste. “Since there’s a shortage of everything there, it’s better to send them for a good cause,” he said.

Finland has delivered medical aid through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, including ECG and ultrasound machines, ventilators, patient monitors, incubators, surgical lights, and supplies. The Interior Ministry reports that while donation volumes fluctuate, public willingness to help remains strong, with 2023 being the busiest year.

Ukraine’s needs remain vast, particularly after Russian strikes on civilian sites like hospitals. The ministry coordinates donations from businesses, agencies, municipalities, and NGOs, with Ukrainian officials approving or rejecting offers based on criteria such as shelf life and documentation.

Items not sent to Ukraine will be sold or recycled, with unusable equipment scrapped.