Strengthening global surgical capacity through HEST-UK training
Building on the success of our partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) in June, where 24 surgeons were equipped with vital skills to save lives and limbs in conflict zones, we joined forces again this December to train an additional 23 surgeons. Our trauma surgery training in the UK (HEST-UK) aligns with RCSEd's broader mission to support global healthcare by equipping professionals to address healthcare needs in low-resource or conflict-affected areas.
Designed for medical professionals working in, or preparing to travel to, conflict and disaster zones, our HEST-UK course brought together participants from around the world. Surgeons traveled from as far as Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, Ukraine, and the USA to take part in this transformative week of intensive training.
The course provides comprehensive training in surgical techniques for managing injuries frequently encountered in conflict zones, such as blast and shrapnel wounds, with a dedicated focus on Obstetrics and Gynaecology during the final day. Regardless of their specialty, surgeons gain the skills needed to handle complex trauma cases and significantly improve patient outcomes.
This immersive training integrates real-life trauma case presentations from conflict zones like Syria, teaching models designed specifically for our programmes, and hands-on practice using human cadavers, delivering an unparalleled learning experience.
A Global Effort
The David Nott Foundation and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh are charitable organisations, and our work is made possible by the generous support of donors and sponsors. We are deeply grateful to The Russell Trust, Essity, BBRAUN, Stryker, and BMA Giving for their invaluable provision of equipment and consumables, which enabled us to deliver this course.
BMA Giving generously granted £10,000 to cover the costs of specimens and equipment for this training. Given the nature of this project, there was significant interest from individuals working with NGOs and other non-profit organizations, where high course fees often present a barrier to accessing training. Thanks to the support of BMA Giving, we were able to reduce fees, ensuring the course was more accessible to a broader range of participants.
Empowering Ukrainian Surgeons to Save Lives
As part of our 2024 localisation efforts in Ukraine, we sponsored three Ukrainian doctors who had previously completed our trauma training courses to attend our Hostile Environment Surgical Training (HEST-UK). This advanced training provided a unique opportunity for them to refine their skills further by practicing on cadavers. They also received dedicated mentorship from our expert faculty, including David Nott, who shared insights drawn from over 30 years of trauma surgery experience in conflict zones.
Upon returning to Ukraine, these doctors joined our growing local Ukrainian faculty to train more surgeons on the ground during this difficult period. Their newly acquired skills were put to immediate use, with reports of life-saving interventions within days of their return.
"Just two days ago, I faced a mass casualty incident involving four patients in one hour. Three of them suffered massive hemorrhages from arterial injuries, fractures, and amputations. I was the only surgeon available. The skills and knowledge I gained through the courses offered by the David Nott Foundation saved their lives and their limbs." - Dr Volodymyr H, Ukrainian General Surgeon
Our most recent training in Ukraine
Equipping medical heroes of South and North Kivu
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to face a complex and multifaceted crisis that is often overlooked on the global stage, making it one of the world's 'forgotten crises.’ Decades of conflict have left the country with over 8 million internally displaced people. Most of these displacements are driven by violence in eastern provinces like North and South Kivu, where armed groups and intercommunal violence exacerbate instability. The humanitarian needs in the DRC are immense, with over 25 million people requiring assistance. This includes a severe lack of basic services such as food, water, healthcare, and shelter.
The crisis has deep historical roots, shaped by colonial exploitation, political instability, and ongoing conflicts fueled by control over mineral-rich territories. Despite some international efforts, the scale of suffering remains overwhelming and largely unnoticed compared to other global crises.
In the hills of Murhesa, South Kivu, medical professionals gathered at Murhesa Medical Centre for the second time for life-saving training on war surgery and emergency care. Organised by the Friends of the David Nott Foundation in the Democratic Republic of Congo who we funded for teaching tools, this mission was more than just a training course—it was a promise of hope.
“To world leaders and the David Nott Foundation, the Democratic Republic of the Congo urgently needs attention, support, and collaboration in health during this time. Thousands are displaced, facing a security and humanitarian crisis. Training doctors, nurses, midwives, and first-aiders in life-saving skills is more critical than ever.” - Chris Kitumaini, President of the DRC FDNF
A journey into conflict medicine
The training was practical, intense, and tailored to the realities of war-zone healthcare specifically in the DRC. Over a period of 2 days, 4 doctors trained 20 medical professionals from across the region. Participants learned to assess and prioritise life-threatening injuries under pressure, master techniques for suturing wounds, controlling hemorrhages, and managing injuries caused by gunshots and explosions, and perform CPR in resource-limited settings.
The highlight for many was the hands-on neurosurgery workshop, where they practiced emergency craniotomy techniques under the guidance of a skilled neurosurgeon.
Commitment, passion, and motivation
The training concluded with the award of certificates to all participants, symbolising their commitment and the skills acquired during these intensive sessions.
“Driven by the desire to make a positive difference, the David Nott Foundation's support and donation of equipment has helped me organise a training workshop for Congolese doctors to work in resource-limited settings and save millions of lives.”- Chris Kitumaini, President of the DRC FDNF
As the program concluded, we were inspired by the determination and resilience of every individual involved in the organisation of this training, from our Congolese FDNFs to the surgeons they worked with to deliver the training. Their commitment fuels our drive to continue this work. This is why we do what we do, and we won’t stop.
Please note that Friends of the David Nott Foundation (FDNF) operate independently and are not training entities of the David Nott Foundation.
Strengthening trauma response in Northwest Syria
Northwest Syria continues to face escalating hostilities, compounded by regional conflicts that have intensified instability across the area. In October 2024, airstrikes targeting Idlib resulted in numerous casualties, reflecting the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Healthcare facilities, already strained by over a decade of conflict, are now bracing for an increase in trauma cases due to anticipated surges in violence.
Amid this dire backdrop, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a Trauma Emergency Response and Preparedness (EPREP) plan to strengthen trauma care and emergency preparedness in Northwest Syria. Recognising the David Nott Foundation’s expertise in trauma training, WHO invited us to partner in their efforts to enhance local healthcare capacity. This initiative was generously funded by USAID, whose support has been instrumental in bringing this project to life.
We are honoured to contribute through the delivery of our renowned Hostile Environment Surgical Training (HEST) course, which WHO has identified as a “central pillar” of its trauma response strategy.
From collaboration to local leadership
From November 18 – 22, we delivered a specialised HEST course in Idlib, training 25 Syrian doctors. This marks a milestone in our partnership with WHO and our broader localisation efforts. Notably, this training was entirely led by our Syrian faculty, supported by UK-Syrian faculty members, emphasising the importance of building sustainable, local capacity.
“The new generation of surgeons must learn all of these skills delivered on our courses to save more lives” - Dr Mahmoud Hariri, faculty member
The training focused on equipping participants with critical skills in trauma response, including the management of blast injuries, gunshot wounds, and advanced surgical interventions required in conflict zones. This hands-on course, tailored to address the specific challenges of Northwest Syria, underscored the power of collaboration and the value of empowering local medical professionals to lead in their own communities.
Building resilience amid crises
This mission is part of WHO’s broader plan to enhance the capacity of Northwest Syria’s healthcare system, which prioritises equipping hospitals with essential supplies, creating dedicated triage areas, and improving coordination across trauma networks. Together, we aim to strengthen the region’s ability to respond to mass casualty incidents, ensure communities receive life-saving care during these volatile times, and work towards the sustainable development of the trauma system in Northwest Syria. Building on this foundation, we will continue to contribute to capacity-building efforts in the coming years, with plans to deliver HEST, HEST-A, and HEST-O&G courses early next year.
The devastating events of this past week in Northwest Syria, with fresh waves of airstrikes and escalating violence, have once again underscored the region’s urgent need for enhanced trauma care. We are humbled to have been there just days before, providing Syrian doctors with the life-saving skills they now rely on to manage the growing number of critically injured patients. Our training was not just a response to the immediate need but a long-term investment in the resilience and readiness of Syria’s healthcare system.
Find out more about our work in Syria