The government has said that 21 Ukrainian children will receive lifesaving cancer treatment in England after being brought over with the support of Polish authorities and clinicians.

Hospitals in Poland have taken in many children needing healthcare who have arrived from Ukraine. With more children crossing the border requiring immediate treatment, the UK has responded to Poland’s call for support from international partners to provide additional care.

The children and their immediate family members landed in England from Poland on 13 March and will be triaged by NHS clinicians to understand their health needs before being sent to NHS hospitals in England to continue their care. The treatment will be provided free of charge by the health service across hospitals in England.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “I am appalled by the atrocities we’ve seen in Ukraine and the despicable attacks being carried out on innocent civilians. I am proud that the UK is offering lifesaving medical care to these Ukrainian children, who have been forced out of their home country by the Russian invasion while undergoing medical treatment.

“I know that the incredible staff in the NHS will ensure they get the best possible care. I am hugely grateful to our partners and our Polish friends for their support in bringing these children to the UK. We stand together with the people of Ukraine and will continue to do all we can to help them.”

The UK government has sent seven aircraft to Ukraine to deliver more than 650,000 medical items, including wound care packs, equipment for intensive care and vital medicines.