Andy Kerr Project – Special Report

CWUHA’s 30th Anniversary special project honoured Andy Kerr, former CWU Deputy General Secretary and one of our most valued ambassadors.

The project supported the renovation and re-equipping of a children’s septic surgery ward at the Institute of

Mother and Child, the largest hospital in Moldova. We partnered with Mad-Aid, a charity we have collaborated with in Moldova for over ten years.

The ward had not been repaired or re-equipped since 1986 and was in poor condition.

Each year, over 700 children are treated in this ward for post-operative infections, trauma, abscesses, and other critical conditions.

Previously, poor hygiene and deteriorating infrastructure placed vulnerable patients at greater risk. Today, the renovated ward provides improved opportunities for healing, dignity, and safety for both children and the dedicated medical staff. This transformation is essential, demonstrating that collective effort can improve not only hospital facilities but also the lives of those most in need.

The surgery ward has been fully renovated and now provides care for children with severe infections and complex post-surgical complications.

The project included full replacement of electrical, plumbing, and medical gas systems, installation of durable, hypoallergenic, and easy-to-clean materials, and complete furnishing with custom-built, medical-grade furniture. All details were addressed, from dishwashers and air conditioning units to blinds, linens, essential medical equipment, and a new play area.

Every aspect was carefully planned to ensure the ward operates efficiently and provides a modern, safe, and compassionate environment for patients and healthcare professionals.

The total refurbishment cost exceeded £200,000.

The Andy Kerr project funded furniture, electrical equipment, and a new play area at a cost of £40,000. We will deliver additional medical equipment and supplies to the ward in June 2026, when we will also unveil a plaque in Andy’s memory.

We thank all CWU Branches, Regions, and individuals who contributed, as well as Andy’s son Matt and his son-in-law Phill, who raised thousands of pounds through a sponsored bike ride across Scotland.

We hope you agree this project is a fitting tribute to Andy’s contributions to CWUHA.