About Us
Disease outbreaks, the climate emergency, and conflict are impacting millions of people each year. And that number is growing. It’s a global health crisis that affects us all, but it’s the world’s poorest people who suffer the most.
UK-Med is a frontline humanitarian medical NGO. Born of the NHS, we’ve been working for over 30 years towards a world where everyone has the healthcare they need when crises or disasters hit. Our register has hundreds of NHS medics who are rigorously trained for emergencies. Along with our global network of health professionals, we’re on-call to get to disaster zones at 24 hours’ notice and save lives.
With crises becoming more frequent and severe, we help communities prepare for future emergencies and we make sure that what we learn is shared, so people across the world can get the best care.
Our vision
A world where everyone has the healthcare they need when crises or disasters hit.
Our mission
We save lives in emergencies. When health services are overwhelmed, we get expert health staff to where they’re needed fast. We help communities prepare for future crises.
Our values
Compassion
We care about people. The health and wellbeing of our patients and our people is central to everything we do.
Excellence
We set high standards for ourselves and the organisation. We strive to be outstanding in everything we do.
Learning
We believe in knowledge-sharing and giving people the means to develop their capabilities. We value learning and continual growth.
Collaboration
Working in partnership with stakeholders, communities, and colleagues is key to the success of our work. We respect the skills, knowledge and experience of those we work with and take care to listen and adapt to changes in need.
Determination
We have a can-do attitude and thrive on problem solving. No matter what the challenge, we explore all options so if there’s a way, we’ll find it. We don’t give up easily.
Our history
UK-Med developed out of the South Manchester Accident Rescue Team (SMART). SMART started life as a local medical team, acting in support of the rescue and ambulance services in Manchester.
In 1988, a team of Manchester clinicians, led by UK-Med’s founder Professor Tony Redmond OBE, went to Armenia in aid of those who had been hit by a devastating earthquake.
