Lidiia Patsalo is the CEO of the Vasylkiv Multidisciplinary Intensive Care Hospital. Her professional path is closely intertwined with the life of the team she leads. The doctor and her colleagues became symbols of resilience and dedication during the first two months of the invasion.

From the very first days of the war, the medical facility provided assistance to the wounded and injured. Five operating rooms worked around the clock. The hospital was prepared for the challenges, as it already had a blood transfusion unit, and local residents actively donated blood for the wounded. “We had thought of everything in advance, and it helped us in the first days,” emphasises Lidiia.

The maternity unit also remained operational; 37 babies were born here in March 2022 alone. Later, a humanitarian hub was established at the facility, where essential medicines were delivered. The aid kits coming from different regions and institutions were unloaded at night to avoid drawing unnecessary attention from the enemy.

The staff of the Vasylkiv hospital stayed at work for almost two months. Lidiia Patsalo is contemplating a peaceful future. “When we emerged from the COVID crisis, we dreamed of celebrating. Now, we dream of the war ending, and of gathering again in our park to celebrate victory,” says the hopeful doctor.