Center for Maternal and Child Health

In 2023, the activities of the Center for Maternal and Child Health (CMCH) at UMHAT “Kaneff” JSC continue within the framework of the National Program for the Improvement of Maternal and Child Health (2021–2030).

Health information, health education, health counseling, and medico-social activities will continue to be provided, along with psychological consultations, coordinating and referral services for young people, couples, families, pregnant women, new mothers, and children up to 18 years of age. The sustainability of these activities at the CMCH is ensured.

Activity Report of the CMCH for 2022:

503 individuals (children, new mothers, and pregnant women) visited the CMCH.

In the consultation room, medical examinations were conducted for 234 children and 127 pregnant women, 32 of whom were uninsured.

The psychologist provided consultations to 214 children, new mothers, and pregnant women who visited the CMCH, while the social worker conducted 86 consultations.

A total of 1,028 newborns underwent neonatal hearing screening, and 125 pregnant women received biochemical screening.

At the Center’s consultation office, pregnant women and children are provided with free comprehensive care. The main objectives of the center are:

• Improving care for premature babies through examinations by pediatricians from the Neonatology Department;

• Psychological consultations with a psychologist for parents of children with disabilities and chronic illnesses;

• Specialist medical examinations for children with chronic conditions and disabilities;

• Social consultations with a social worker;

• Home visits for premature babies up to 1 year of age, as well as for children with chronic illnesses and disabilities;

• Individual psychological sessions for children;

• Neonatal hearing screening for all newborns to prevent hearing loss;

• Biochemical screening for pregnant women to assess the risk of having a child with Down syndrome, spina bifida, anencephaly, or severe abdominal wall defects. These tests and related consultations are provided free of charge to pregnant women, regardless of their health insurance status;

• Examinations of uninsured pregnant women with pregnancy-related complications.

Services are provided either at the Health Counseling Center or in the patient’s home. It is sufficient to call the provided phone number to schedule a specialist, along with the day and time of the appointment. These services are completely free for all users, regardless of their health insurance status, and no medical referral is required.

The Health Counseling Center for Maternal and Child Health is open on weekdays from 08:00 to 16:00. It is located in the Maternity Complex of UMHAT–Ruse – 1st floor, Room 13. The center works in cooperation with the Social Assistance Directorate and child welfare services.

Users can be referred to the center by general practitioners (GPs), physicians from specialized outpatient medical facilities, medical institutions, medical and non-medical staff from childcare facilities (nurseries, kindergartens), health mediators, employees of the Social Assistance Directorates, particularly the “Child Protection” departments, local authorities, social service providers, family counseling centers, and other child and family service structures in Ruse region.

Krasimira Kuleva – Coordinator of the Health Counseling Center for Maternal and Child Health, Ruse
Phone: 0878 385 093
Email: cmdzruse@abv.bg

In 2024, the activities of the Health Counseling Center for Maternal and Child Health (HCCMCH) at UMHAT “Kaneff” JSC continue within the framework of the National Program for the Improvement of Maternal and Child Health (2021–2030).

For five years now, the Element of Play® early learning space in the pediatric ward of UMHAT “Kaneff”—one of the largest hospitals in Northern Bulgaria—has provided a safe and joyful place for children during their hospital stay. With the help of Krasi Kuleva, our play specialist, children leave their hospital rooms to come and play with toys, rediscovering the joy of being a child. Even if just for a moment, they forget about their pain through play. The most eager and excited among them wait at the door of the playroom even before it opens in the morning. Often, when it’s time for them to leave the hospital, it’s hard for them to say goodbye to the toys.

For children with chronic illnesses, the time spent in the play space is often their only relief from frequent hospital visits. For mothers of hospitalized children, the WWO play space provides a much-needed opportunity to take a short break, have some time for themselves, and know their children are safe and happy. With Krasi’s support, mothers can also learn how to play more effectively with their children, receive valuable advice, and get feedback on their child’s development.

The Element of Play® early learning space is also a safe place for mothers to share their worries and struggles with other parents in similar situations. Five years after its opening, hospital staff are confident that the playroom not only provides a positive environment for the children but also plays a vital role in the healing process.

We express our deepest gratitude to Krasi Kuleva and the Pediatric Department of the hospital in Ruse for the successful and fruitful partnership over the years and for the many smiles on children’s faces. There is no greater gift than that.