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UK burns specialist matron flies to New Zealand to care for volcanic eruption patients

Lucy Hall responded to NZ government appeal for international help to relieve over-stretched nurses
specialist burns deputy matron Lucy Hall

Lucy Hall responded to NZ government appeal for international help to relieve over-stretched nurses


Lucy Hall deputy burns unit matron at Queen Victoria NHS Foundation Trust

The deputy matron in a leading UK burns unit has flown to New Zealand to help treat people who were injured in the White Island volcanic eruption two months ago.

Lucy Hall, who works at Queen Victoria NHS Foundation Trust in East Grinstead, West Sussex is among a number of nurses who have gone to New Zealand to share their expertise.

 International appeal for specialist nurse support

The eruption, in December 2019, killed 18 people and left others with 90% to 95% burns; 27 people have burns to more than 30%.

Ms Hall responded to an appeal by the New Zealand government for international support to relieve the country's own nurses who are caring for the most severely injured. Government health funding will cover volunteers' costs.

‘I have the skills to help make a difference for these burns patients’

Ms Hall, who has worked as a specialist burns nurse since 2016, will join the nursing team at the National Burns Centre at Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, for a month.

‘The nurses have been working flat out with their patients, so much of my role will be to support them and hopefully help relieve some of the pressure,’ she said.

‘Although the cause of their burns – from volcanic ash – is different from what we treat at the Queen Victoria Hospital, I know from the experience I have gained here that I have the skills and confidence to help make a difference.’


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