"Supportive care" -- the care of children with severe disabilities and life limiting conditions. Chernobyl Children International cares for these children through our hospice programs in Minsk and Gomel, as well as at Vesnova institution in Mogilev.

In partnership with the ministry of health in Belarus, CCI recently opened a "baby hospice" at the No. 1 Baby Home in Minsk.

Seven year old Lida, pictured above, is one the children who benefits from this new program.  She loves cartoons -- and anything (blankets, clothes) with pictures of cats!

CCI medical care coordinator Marie Cox explains, "For years we have seen children who really need palliative care placed in hospital intensive care units, simply because there was no other place for them.  They were not getting the very special sort of care and comfort that they needed as long term patients.  Even more importantly, because they were in hospital, their families were unable to visit them often or get involved in their care. Our new unit is family focused.  Parents and family members are welcome to come in as much as they like. We even have a special family room where they can stay. "

One and a half year old Nastia, below, is a beautiful, bright child.  Her parents, who have already lost one child, are eager to take her back to the comfort of her home. CCI is providing training and equipment to allow them to do so.

 

Our medical coordinator, Marie Cox, and a specialist team of medical professionals specializing in palliative care deliver training program to personnel at Vesnova, and at the No. 1 Baby Home in Minsk.

The training programs are designed to equip the care staff with skills and knowledge regarding the best international practices in the care of these children.  The teaching includes bedside care and management.

Participants learn the importance of clinical assessment, evaluation and care planning.  They also  learn techniques for comfort, pain and symptom management. According to Marie, "We are committed to helping these children die with dignity, surrounded by family, and whenever possible in their own home. The training is so important -- we want our colleagues in Belarus to become experts themselves in this field, and establish themselves as a center of excellence.  In order to help as many children as possible, our work here must be sustainable and and replicated."

How You Can Help

We are off to a good beginning, but there is so much more to be done.  We need your support -- please donate now to help us continue to care for the most seriously ill and disabled children in Belarus. We are hoping many of our supporters will sign up for a monthly, recurring donation of $10 (or 7 Euro) a month in support. Your donation will support training, and also the equipment and assistance needed for parents to care for their children at home whenever possible.

Our Team

 A team of supportive care professionals has agreed to continue working with Chernobyl Children International to develop state of the art hospice care in Belarus.

Professor Philip Larkin holds a joint academic/clinical appointment between the School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin and Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services, Dublin.  He is also Chairperson of the Irish Association for Palliative Care. 

Ms. Brenner is Head of Children’s Nursing in the School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin with experience in the care and management of children in receipt of assisted ventilation. 

Dr. Maeve O’Reilly and Dr. Mary Devins are Consultants in Palliative Medicine.  Both are based at Our Lady’s Hospital for Children, Crumlin, Dublin.  Dr. Devins is Ireland’s first Consultant in Paediatric Palliative Medicine and holds the national responsibility for the development of children’s palliative care in Ireland.