In April, the Irish medical team undertook physiotherapy, massage and sensory development training for medical staff working with children in the high-dependency unit in Vesnova. CCPI has employed 7 new care workers to work in Vesnova since last November to improve quality of care for the children who live there. The Medical team have also begun rolling out activitation programmes for each child, which include individually-tailored activity plans. In August, a dental team will visit Vesnova and Soltanovka to undertake assessments.

CCPI is continuing to expand the Community Care and Hospice Programmes and has increased the number of therapeutic staff to address the growing list of children and families who are being assisted under these programmes. All families in the Gomel Hospice Care Programme are currently receiving 'Aid Direct' deliveries. New suction machines have been recently purchased to improve the quality of life of two new children under Hospice care.

CCPI is also delighted to announce that a new anaesthetic machine has been bought for Gomel Regional Children's Hospital and is due to be delivered and installed during the summer. Sadly, Yula Barsukova, who was cared for under CCPI's Gomel Hospice Programme passed away. Yula was due to have a bone marrow transplant but due to continous infection was unable to undergo the procedure. Maggie and Michael Seoighe from Inis Mor on the Aran Islands also received the very sad news that Sasha Karawi, who was very close to their hearts passed away after a fatal accident. We offer Maggie and Micheal our deepest sympathies.