1990
We began a long term project caring for children living with HIV+ in Colentina hospital in Bucharest. Many organisations took supplies of food, toys, clothes, etc. to the numerous institutions housing children. Similarly, Health Aid UK provided food, toys, clothes and equipment for the hospital, but the real and dramatic improvements which took place changing the lives of so many children was the philosophy that we would provide
This care was provided by qualified nurses from England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Holland, teachers with experience in special needs children, doctors, dieticians and many others.
1991
We established a School of Nursing in Bucharest, the first group of Romanian nurses have now qualified, They received their diplomas in October 1994 from the President of the Royal College of Nursing.
1992
We provided the first Community Group Home for 8 children with HIV+. This was a totally new concept of care to the hospital staff and the Romanian Government.
In December, the second home opened giving 8 more children the chance to live a more normal life being cared for by local personnel, who received training in child care. The homes were established also thanks to the commitment and invaluable services of the catholic Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul whose experience in child care, nursing and social work has been essential in the development of the Community Homes Programme.
The model of care was described by UNICEF and the Council of Europe as a model of excellence which should be replicated throughout Romania.
1993
House 3 opened. A large wooden building in the garden was converted into a classroom with a grant from The International Women's group in Bucharest. The children from homes 2 and 3 share the educational facilities.
1994
The fourth Family Group Home opened.
This time a small flat near the first home was arranged for 4 little girls who are cared for in the country side with love and tenderness.
1995
Home number five. Located in Bucharest, this is a lovely place to live for a group of 8 children.
1996
The Romanian branch of Health Aid UK became a Romanian Charity: Health Aid Romania
January 20th, home number six opened by European Members of Parliament Mrs. Glenys Kinnock and Mr. Glynn Ford. The sixth home became a reality as a result of a remarkable collaboration of International Agencies:
- Caritas Feldkirch
- Romanian Save the Children
- Mencap
- Health Aid Romania
- The Charity Know How Fund
- Humanus Haus Switzerland
1997
We opened a hostel for mothers and children in order to prevent abandonment.
Health Education Pilot Project in Bucharest. Activity books for children are available in fifteen primary schools.
Casa Alin opened. The programme is designed to offer the chance to the reintegration in the community of families with institutionalised children .
1998
Evaluation study - a comparative study of HIV+ children living in different environments (Family type homes vs. Institutions).
Training for multidisciplinary staff from the hospital and other units caring for children on a range of issues, including:
- The rights of the child
- The relief and control of pain
- Team building
- The effects on morale when dealing with terminal illness
- Talking with children about death and loss
- The spiritual need of a person approaching death.
(These training activities spanned the years 1997-1999, and will continue to be re-run in the the future)
We set up an educational center for school teaching and various community activities. Three portakabins are used for this purpose.
1999
Presented a paper at Romania's first Conference on palliative care.
Participated in establishing the National AIDS Strategy for 2000-2002. The family type of care for HIV children was quoted as a best practice model and alternative to institutionalization or long-term hospital stay.
Organised, together with MENCAP, a telethon appeal for children, SMILE Romania. The British National Lottery funded this initiative.
