Articles - Miscellaneous

The Mildmay Mission Hospital

In the February magazine, it was reported that the PCC had agreed to support Mildmay as one of our major charities this year. Following on from this, the One City One World Group thought it would be of interest for further information to be provided as to Mildmay's ministry in this country and abroad.

Mildmay was founded in 1866 during the cholera epidemic in the East End of London. It now an independent Christian Hospital, and since 1988 has been providing holistic care for individuals and families living with HIV and AIDS. Mildmay's unique services include a family care centre enabling parents and their children to stay together when family members are in need of care and support. This incorporates a nursery (with a waiting list) for children up to 8 years of age. Also a specialist brain impairment rehabilitation unit dedicated to those stricken with short term memory loss or dementia,. Mildmay has established a specialist out-patient centre in Uganda - the first of its kind, with a separate day centre to support AIDS orphans. (Half of the Centre's patients are orphaned children). Both centres in the UK and Uganda operate education programmes. Over 3000 health workers have been trained from around the world, who in turn train others.

I first became aware of Mildmay when I read an article in the Church Times in which it reported that the Archbishop of Canterbury was calling for financial support for this hospital. I read on and was soon very impressed with the work of Mildmay in caring for body, mind and soul with unconditional compassion and concern. In the UK, Mildmay depends upon health authorities funding 80% of their costs with the balance from donations. Funding has become a real challenge and the hospital is fighting to survive financially. Cost cutting in the Health Service has meant fewer referrals (therefore less income) despite the fact that new HIV cases in the UK have soared. Our financial assistance is, therefore, very much needed.

I have recently received an "AIDS Orphans Appeal" from Mildmay and have pinned a copy to the blue noticeboard at the back of church.

Jo Curtis

© St Edmund's Church, Roundhay - Charity Number 1131904