• Dr Simon Enright (Consultant and Director of Intensive Care Pinderfields Hospital NHS Trust)
• Ms June Goodson-Moore (Director of Human Resources Pinderfields Hospital NHS Trust)
• Mr Greg Moulds (Journalist on NHS Magazine)
• Ms Mel Hunter (Journalist on Nottingham Evening Post)
• Mr Mike Hickling (Journalist with Yorkshire Post)
• Surg Cdr Alistair Neal (SO1 Medical(NATO) on Surgeon General’s Staff)
• Col Jim Blake (Head of NELC Secretariat)
• Maj Peter Clarke (SO2 PR, NELC)
• Capt Mike Radford (PSAO 212 Field Hospital (V))

The party was well looked after from arrival at Brize Norton where we were given access to the VIP lounge. The flight was smooth and we were met and welcomed efficiently. It was sensibly decided that we should experience the “arrivals process” and so we received the routine briefings and mine awareness lectures as well as being registered in-Theatre.

We left the rather battered and run-down airport (together with the Russian presence) in two minibuses and travelled to Kosovo-Polje, the location of 22 Field Hospital (a Regular unit normally based in Aldershot), our hosts for the visit. The Hospital occupies a former youth detention centre and we were allocated a separate small building that had running cold water and dual power supply. We also had our own separate “portaloos” and a cold water shower. Regrettably, the mains drainage was not operative. Bottled water is available in all vehicles and accommodation in quantity.

After an excellent dinner we had the chance to unpack and meet some of our hosts in the “rose garden” adjacent to our building. (Food was excellent and in good quantity. “Cutlery” and “crockery” are all disposable in the interests of hygiene and efficiency). There was plenty of fruit and healthy eating, and local bread and supplies are used where available. There is normally a “two cans” rule for alcohol consumption although exemptions are given from time to time – all the cans have to be opened before they are taken away from the bar. We were provided with beds remaining from the previous occupants and given Hospital duvets, in some cases in lieu of mattresses! (Each location also has excellent fitness equipment – in plenty).

The following morning we were driven into Pristina and received a series of briefings from the Logistic and Medical Staff including a welcome from Brigadier Tim Cross (Commander Logistic Brigade) and Colonel Steve Howe (Commander Medical). We then walked a short distance down the road to visit 2 Armoured Field Ambulance and see their facilities. During the visit, we met Reservists who had deployed to join them within the past few days. After lunch we departed for the Northern part of the British Sector to visit the 2 Armoured Field Ambulance units attached to the King’s Royal Hussars’ Battle Group and also visited their Regimental Aid Post. We were able to watch the King’s Royal Hussars’ Battle Group “farewell parade” as part of our visit. That evening 22 Field Hospital’s A&E; Consultant, Lt Col Tim Hodgetts gave us a presentation on 3 examples of the types of trauma that they had been treating and a lively and well-informed discussion ensued.

Saturday morning was set aside for a visit to the University Hospital in Pristina. We were given a tour of the A&E; Department project that had been initiated by 22 Field Hospital assisted by DFID as well as touring the Hospital. We had an opportunity to meet the two Hospital Liaison Officers and also met Professors Redmond and Ryan who are both on contract to assist the regeneration of the Hospital facilities. The lack of facilities and the infrastructure problems were clearly demonstrated. After a most informative 3 hours or so, we returned to our base for lunch. This was followed by a briefing on the unit and a tour of their location. The visitors were also given an opportunity to see the Immediate Response Team in action and to take a brief flight in the Immediate Response Team Puma helicopter. The briefings concluded with a discussion period, ably led by Dame Margaret.

That evening we were taken to Pristina for dinner with Commander Logistic Brigade and Commander Medical and their Staff whilst 22 Field Hospital held its end of tour “Dinner Night”. Returning after a “good evening” we encountered a traffic accident and restored order at the scene and then evacuated two of the casualties. We then created disorder at 22 Field Hospital by arriving unexpectedly with two patients for them. At least the casualties had excellent care even if they were not aware of the levels of expertise of our party!

The final morning we were due to visit the Russian Field Hospital. Regrettably, there was a change to the flight schedule and we were requested to be at the Airport at 0930 hours. Eventually we were able to arrange to fly back direct to Lyneham on a 1430 flight rather than departing at 1130 via Italy and Germany to arrive at Lyneham at 2355 hours! To fill the time a visit was arranged to the Aeromedical Evacuation facility, which also provides primary health care for the military airport They kindly provided us with lunch before our flight and explained their regular movements around the area – they are due to move for a fourth time imminently! Attempts to reschedule a short visit to the Russian Hospital were unsuccessful partly because it was Russian Army Day and partly since the Hospital commander had to attend KFOR Orders at 1100 hours.

We eventually departed Kosovo on a C130 flight to Lyneham, emplaning at 1430 and departing ¾ hour later having waited for some firemen who were due to return to UK but whose flights had been cancelled. On the return trip, the party were all given the opportunity to spend time on the flight deck which they much enjoyed. We eventually arrived back at 1915 hours local time.

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