22 May 2023

From Swindon to Ukraine: Go-Ahead hospital bus presented to ambassador

A bus donated by one of Go-Ahead’s local bus companies has been converted into a field hospital for use in treating casualties of the war in Ukraine.

The bus, which until recently carried passengers in Wiltshire as part of Swindon’s Bus Company, was today presented to His Excellency Vadym Prystaiko, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom, in a ceremony outside the House of Lords.

The single-decker vehicle has been fitted with hospital beds and medical equipment for use as a mobile field hospital on the frontline as Ukraine defends its territory following Russia’s invasion.

Seats have been stripped out of the bus to make way for three beds, facilities for heart monitors and drips. The bus has a fresh water tank fitted, bathroom facilities and a portable generator.

The project has been overseen by Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership (SHAP), a local charity formed to help the war-torn country. Since Russia’s invasion, SHAP has donated 925 tonnes of aid to Ukraine.

“”
We’re all appalled by the ongoing situation on the ground following Russia’s invasion. I hope this bus will make a small contribution towards Ukraine’s war effort, and towards the treatment of those injured on the front line.

Christian Schreyer

Chief Executive of The Go-Ahead Group

Arrangements are being made for the bus to be transported to Ukraine.

“”
We are indebted to Go-Ahead, and to Swindon’s Bus Company, for the donation of a bus that allowed a group of committed local volunteers to convert a standard public service bus into a mobile medical facility for use in Ukraine. It is hard to comprehend what our Ukrainian friends are having to endure but in the best British tradition all we can do is support them with all our might.

Mike Bowden

Chair of The Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership

A number of parliamentarians took part in the handover including Robert Buckland MP (Con, South Swindon),  John Healey (Shadow Secretary of State for Defence), Iain Duncan Smith MP (Con, Chingford), Lord Collins of Highbury (Labour deputy leader in the House of Lords) and David Davis MP (Con, Haltemprice and Howden).