On March 27, the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant hosted a monitoring mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The experts visited the health facilities of the branch “SS SUNPP” and the town of Pivdennoukrainsk. The visit was another stage in the framework of the IAEA’s large-scale program aimed at strengthening the physical and mental health of employees of Ukrainian NPPs and residents of satellite towns.
The program included a meeting with the management of the branch “SS SUNPP”, a discussion of the implementation of the mission goals, a tour to the health center and the health department at the NPP, as well as a visit to the municipal multi-specialty hospital. IAEA representatives had the opportunity not only to assess the effectiveness of the equipment already delivered, but also to discuss further areas of cooperation.
“The IAEA Medical Assistance Mission has been actively providing assistance to us for several years. We have received important technical equipment: a multi-channel electrocardiograph, a cardiac monitor, and tests for detecting infections. All of these allow us to respond more quickly and accurately to threats to the personnel health,” emphasized Roman Kuchkivskyi, Acting Head of Health Department of the branch “SS SUNPP”.
Owing to the up-to-date cardiac monitor, health center employees can quickly assess patients’ vital signs – blood pressure, pulse, blood oxygen level and electrocardiogram; those are critically important during emergencies. In addition, the received rapid tests for six infectious diseases helped to significantly improve the quality of diagnostics during the winter epidemic season.
The municipal multi-specialty hospital also received significant assistance during the mission. An ultrasound machine, infusion pumps, personal protective equipment and 500 doses of rabies vaccine were handed over there.
Team Leader of the IAEA team commented in her speech: “Our team is large. These are doctors, psychologists, coordinators, logistics specialists. We are all united by a common goal – to assist you. Nevertheless, feedback is the key to make our work even better. It is you who help us become more efficient.”
After the working meeting with the IAEA mission representatives, Vyacheslav Stoyanov, Director General of the branch “SS SUNPP”, commented on the visit of international experts, placing emphasis on the importance of such cooperation: “This is not about the equipment supply or technical assistance – this is about the main thing: the health of our people. Physical and mental well-being of nuclear employees is a direct factor in ensuring nuclear safety. A person who feels protected, has access to high-quality medical care, works confidently, focused, and clearly fulfills their duties. In our field, this is not just important – it is critical.”
Plant Director also mentioned that the SUNPP expects from this visit not only the next supplies of equipment, but also new approaches to psychological support for personnel. Under the current conditions, when many people have returned from the combat zone, the need for mental protection is more relevant than ever.
