How are medical staff coping with near-constant bombardments in Pokrovsk?

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Pokrovsk Maternity Hospital Staff Endure Severe Hardship Amidst Near-Constant Bombardments

Medical staff at Pokrovsk's sole remaining maternity hospital are enduring extreme conditions due to relentless Russian bombardments, with reports of up to ten attacks in a single night. This constant shelling has led to severe sleep deprivation, malnutrition, and heightened stress among both patients and the medical team. The hospital's location in Pokrovsk, a crucial transport hub approximately 20 kilometres from Russian forces and near a strategically important highway, places it under significant threat. The situation is exacerbated by frequent power outages caused by Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, which have impacted the hospital's ability to function, including critical medical procedures.
Persistent Bombardment Disrupts Daily Operations and Well-being

The hospital in Pokrovsk has become a target amidst ongoing military operations, with the facility experiencing intense shelling. The head of the medical facility, Ivan Tsyganok, described a harrowing night with ten separate attacks, highlighting the pervasive danger. This relentless bombardment directly impacts the well-being of patients and staff, leading to a state of constant anxiety and physical exhaustion. Measures such as sandbagging windows are employed to protect individuals from flying glass shards during strikes, underscoring the immediate physical threats faced.
Operational Challenges Arising from Infrastructure Damage and Staff Shortages

The conflict has severely degraded essential infrastructure, significantly complicating hospital operations. Frequent artillery and drone attacks on roads make patient referrals to other facilities exceedingly difficult, forcing women to take longer detours. Furthermore, Russian strikes on power plants have led to routine blackouts in frontline areas, posing critical risks to medical procedures. One instance recounted involved a delicate caesarean section that had to be completed using telephone lights due to a power cut and generator malfunction. Compounding these issues, staff shortages are a growing concern, as some nurses reside close to the front lines, and many have already departed the area.
Increased Premature Births and Potential Relocation Amidst Uncertainty

The heightened stress and precarious living conditions have contributed to a dramatic increase in premature births within the Donetsk region, with rates reportedly doubling since February 2022. The maternity hospital faces the grim prospect of closure, which would necessitate the relocation of vital equipment and patients to Dnipro, a city approximately 200 kilometres away. This journey itself presents significant risks for women in labour, given the ongoing attacks in that region as well. Despite the immense challenges, the medical staff remain committed to their work, with doctors expressing a determination to continue providing care as long as there are patients needing their services.

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How are medical staff coping with near-constant bombardments in Pokrovsk?

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