New Chief Executive at the David Nott Foundation
It is with great pleasure that we announce Elly Nott, Co-Founder of the David Nott Foundation, has been re-appointed as Chief Executive. Elly shares her thoughts on leading the organisation post-pandemic and her vision for the future.
I am delighted to share that I am returning to the role of Chief Executive of the Foundation. The David Nott Foundation is in my DNA, and it is a privilege to have been given the opportunity to lead the organisation I am so proud to have founded with David.
We have exciting plans for the future. We want to increase the number of surgical training courses we run globally and deepen our relationships with the selected countries within which we work. We also want to develop a bespoke obstetrics and neonatal course, to help doctors and midwives in conflict-affected states and austere environments better support expectant mothers and their babies.
At the heart of our mission is our determination to empower local healthcare workers in the places we operate and learn as much from them as they learn for us. Building strong relationships enables us to gather the most accurate picture of what they need during times of crisis - and ensure we deliver.
It’s an honour to serve them.
Buy a signed photo and support our mission
Would you like a signed photo of The Crown stars, Tobias Menzies and Olivia Colman? The selection below has been generously donated and profits will help fund our surgical training courses. Please get in touch and let us know which image you would like, in addition to your bid, starting from £25 each, by Friday 3rd December.
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We’re back where we belong
We are delighted to be back training doctors on the frontline. Our latest Hostile Environment Surgical Training (HEST) course in Erbil, Iraq, equipped 31 local healthcare professionals with skills that will serve their communities. Our Chief Executive, Elly Nott, shares her experience of the course.
Our latest course in Erbil was an incredibly humbling experience. Facilitated by our partners at Médecins Sans Frontiers-Belgium (MSF), we were able to train 31 Iraqi healthcare professionals in the surgical skills they need to manage any case they might encounter in an emergency or conflict situation.
During the course, our faculty used our cutting-edge anatomical model, Heston (pictured below), to teach a range of surgical techniques for treating traumatic injuries. Model hearts and synthetic skin helped them practice how to manage cardiac injuries and chest tube insertion. Virtual reality headsets also immersed our participants in emergency scenarios, putting their mass casualty triage and decision-making skills to the test.
A number of the participants were from Mosul, a beautiful and historic city that freed itself from the oppressive rule of Daesh in 2017. The resilience, courage and grace of the doctors was an inspiration to us all.
We are so grateful for your support of our mission. Every donation helps us deliver world-class surgical training that saves and improves the lives of those most in need.
A marathon effort for war doctors
During the marathon season this year, we were blown away by the commitment of our supporters. From gruelling training - to creative fundraising - to blisters on race day, we want to thank each and every runner. Here are just a handful of supporter stories.
“It’s been full of ups and downs”
David Twumasi (below) chose to support us in his first marathon feat. David was born premature at six and half months and knew he may not have survived if born in a conflict zone. He wanted to raise funds to train doctors and give war victims, including mothers and unborn children, the best chance of survival.
After crossing the finish line, he said: “I’m so proud of finishing! It’s been such a great experience and full of ups and downs, but it’s all been worth it in the end.”
Taking training seriously
We’re so proud to have a dedicated network of David Nott Foundation Societies at Universities across the UK. Medical students in Leicester took on the virtual London Marathon - and even completed a marathon in training.
The team said: “It was supposed to be our first proper marathon, but Zach and Elena 'accidentally' ran a mountain marathon with over 8000 feet of elevation this summer in preparation!” The students smashed their target of £600, raising over £1000.
“It deeply affected me”
Terry Hancock (below) ran the Great North Run for us and despite a set-back at mile 7, completed the race and raised £650.
He shares: “In 2019, a surgeon friend of mine recommended I read a book (War Doctor) about a remarkable man. The stories and sentiments of the book deeply affected me and made me want to do something positive to help the foundation.”
Do something amazing and help us train war doctors. Sign up to a challenge event today.