She’s getting specialist treatment.
Although Pakistan had initially insisted she could be treated in her home country, a military statement said that a panel of doctors had recommended she be “shifted abroad to a UK centre which has the capability to provide integrated care to children who have sustained severe injury”.
On arrival at Birmingham Airport, she was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital by ambulance, travelling at a slow speed because of the nature of her wounds.
The hospital has a recently-opened major trauma centre specialising in both gunshot wounds and head injuries.
Its specialist team has 10 years of experience of treating UK military casualties and Medical Director Dr David Rosser said Malala Yousafzai “could be viewed as a battle casualty”, which put doctors there “in a good position to treat her”.
Security, he added, was taken very seriously “at the best of times”.
If she survives, she will need treatment to repair or replace damaged bones in her skull and to undergo neurological treatment.
As sure as eggs are eggs the bigots will have a field day over this, but I can only say “Welcome to Britain, Malala. At the Queen Elizabeth Hospital you are in very safe – and very experienced hands”.
I echo that. Britain should always welcome heroes.
And I know that hospital – it is the one place on Earth I would want to be if I were ever in that situation.
This relieves a lot of the concern I had for Malala’s immediate future.
I’m actually crying tears of relief for her.
A hero deserves the best. She’s now in the hands of an amazing care team, and I’m proud that my country can help her.
There’s also a large Pakistani community in the area, so, when she’s on the mend, hopefully she can be supported and surrounded by people who can ease her fear and confusion.
Please get well soon brave young woman, we’re all behind you.
I’m glad she’s getting specialist care here.
Useful update:
Birmingham surgeons optimistic about recovery – video
Dr Dave Rosser, medical director at the hospital, said:
(It is sobering that the UK has found it necessary to develop this capability over the last 10 years. But I do feel a twinge of totally unjustified pride that of all the places in the world where she could have gone, she has gone to the NHS hospital that treats my mother. But obviously to a different part of it).
Amnesty international , message of support.
http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=6oJCLQPAJiJUG&b=6645049&aid=518940&msource=W1210EAWMN1