Back to Romania

BACKGROUND

Romania experienced social and political upheaval during the twentieth century. Following the rise of the Iron Guard fascist movement in the 1930s Romania fought alongside Germany in the Second World War until 1944 when they changed allegiance, and a Soviet-backed government was installed the following year.

The country has struggled to embrace a market economy since the collapse of the communist regime after the bloody revolution of December 1989 which overthrew dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. His rule began in 1965, and ended on Christmas Day 1989 when he and his wife were executed broadcast live on national television.

Inflation has played havoc with the economy. In 1989 an English pound was equal to 20 lei. A decade later £1 would buy 33,000 Lei, and today the exchange rate stands at 53,000 Lei to the pound.

The ailing economy is one of the reasons for the difficulties at the hospital in Mina 1 Mai.

HARSH reality lies behind the Christmas card scenes in Mina 1 Mai, a tiny village high in Romania's Carpathian mountains.

The name means Mine of the First of May, but the coal mine which once brought relative prosperity closed in the 1960s. The large office building was converted into a psychiatric hospital, currently home to 139 patients with a wide range of mental illnesses.

The North Nibley Romania Team, a small charity established in the Gloucestershire village in the early 1990s has worked in the village for the past decade.

A variety of mens and womens shoes were donated by people in Britain and given to hospital staff to fit to patients most in need.

Russell Butcher, a team member for the past three years, spoke of the need for shoes.

"Last year it just seemed to me to be something that would be useful, so I made a request for people to donate shoes, and I was actually inundated with them more than we could bring.

"I think its been quite successful and we hope to continue this in future years.

"I've still got more shoes at home which hopefully we can bring out on the next trip in March."

Whilst some had stout pairs of boots or shoes, some patients walked through the snow and freezing temperatures in either plastic sandals, or in one case, no shoes at all.

Head nurse at the hospital, Mariana Stoica told, through the team's translator, how many patients did not have good shoes: "The country's medical system suffers because of the state of the economy.

"Between 1993 and 1995 almost all the shoes and clothes came from the North Nibley Romania Team. There would not have been any help from the government, everything came through humanitarian aid."

"Even now the hospital is alarmingly reliant on help from the charity: The team's help means a great deal to us at the hospital.

"We rely on soaps, disinfectants and toiletries donated by the charity for three-quarters of the year."

The team funds a lorry each year to transport such goods as well as any building materials needed by the teams who visit each summer.

A survey team of three or four visits in March to prioritise the work which needs to be done. In July and August two teams of builders, electricians, plumbers and helpers visit for two weeks and work at the hospital. Last year work started on replacing the wiring. This will continue next summer when ancient distribution boards will be replaced and safety brought into line with that of the rest of Europe.

Team members Russell Butcher, John Anyon and Matthew Bigwood made the 2,000-mile trip to the village north of Brasov to distribute gifts to patients and children in the nursery school, which gave a Christmas concert in their honour. Children in national costume enacted a traditional Orthodox Christmas and New Year celebration which saw a pupil whipping out the old year, and children throwing grain to assure prosperity in the coming year.

In October new desks were delivered to the school - these had been funded by the charity and built in Vulcan, a nearby town. The team's philosophy is to buy within Romania as this helps the ailing economy and reduces transport costs. The desks they replaced were reminiscent of those in use in Victorian Britain.

Money was donated to buy a small package of gifts for each of the patients and the 60 members of staff. The biscuits, chocolate, wafers and soft drink were handed out on Tuesday. Team members were moved by the gratitude shown for such humble presents.

For more information about the North Nibley Romania Team, and ways to help, visit www.nnrt.co.uk

COSTICA'S STORY

Costica, 33, was born Constantin Florea and has severe learning difficulties. He was admitted to the hospital at the age of 16 when his mother died and his father could no longer cope.

Costica has TB and hepatitis but has always helped the North Nibley Romania Team with simple tasks, and he has enjoyed doing them.

He was discharged in October, 2001, not because he was fit to leave, but due to the hospital's severe financial difficulties. His father had remarried some years before and had very little contact with Costica during his time in hospital, but was now forced to care for him once more.

In August team members heard that Costica had been sleeping rough in towns and villages near the hospital, and had even slept in the grounds of the hospital on occasions.

"We decided to seek him out and see what the situation was," said Peter Tolson, secretary of the charity.

"We found endless blocks of flats in a run down area of a village called Codlea, about eight miles from the hospital.

"Istvan, our interpreter, asked everyone we met if they knew Costica. We knocked on lots of doors and about an hour later we were lucky to find a lady out with her children who knew where he was and took us there."

Costica was staying in his familys flat after having broken his leg playing football with children.

"His stepmother told us he was unhappy at home as his father was a violent man with a drink problem and had beaten Costica several times, causing him to run away," added Peter.

The head nurse was consulted and agreed Costica could return to the hospital, but only if his place was funded. His parents could not afford the £146 per year, but a team member said they would fund it.

When he returned to the hospital patients gave him an emotional reception, with many clapping and cheering.

Costica's place at the hospital has been assured for the forthcoming year, and the charity will continue to fund his place to keep him in his home.