One of the main aims for the Augustea Group to achieve in 2010, is to support infant units in hospitals within the countries we operate, particularly those specializing in neurology. Within a Corporate social responsibilities plan, the group has made donations to hospitals and purchased expensive medical equipment in: Italy and UK in Europe, Colombia and Argentina in South America. 

The first project was launched at the "Ospedale Santobono" in Naples, one of the most important pediatric institutes in Italy, overseen by Dr Giuseppe Cinalli. Together with SSY Napoli and Cafima, Augustea donated € 68.000 to the SOS Santobono Onlus, a non-profit organization working directly with the hospital, in order to buy a complex neuro - monitoring system to be used to observe the extent of children’s brain damage and monitoring purposes during spinal cord operations.

The second initiative involves the Colombian pediatric "Hospital Cari" in Barranquilla, where Dr Oscar Aponte, as chairman of the national Neurosurgery Society, proposed to purchase an endoscope. The cost is approximately $ 30.000,00. This offer was enthusiastically supported by both local medical and political institutions last January.

Further to this, the company’s charity policy is also making a third donation in the United Kingdom: £30.000,00 (almost $ 50.000,00) was recently contributed to support the world-class Neurology Department at Great Ormond Street Hospital, in London. This unit operates within with one of the world’s leading children’s research hospitals, providing specialist care and carrying out over 200,000 patient visits every year. This department also represents the largest paediatric centre for brain surgery in the UK, boasting highly qualified medical teams. The key areas funds raised by charity donations are utilized are; buying technologically advanced equipment, supporting research with a focus on serious child illnesses and improving the welfare of patients and their families. Mr Richard Stewart is responsible for our corporate partnership, and ensures the company’s donations are put to the best use possible.

Continuing with the charity policy, Augustea Marifran participated on July 5th in the annual fund raising dinner organized by the Natali Dafne Flexer foundation.
The FNDF is a non-profit organization that helps children with cancer and their families. Their mission is to support children suffering from this disease by helping their families get access to the necessary information; improving their quality of life and helping them get the best available treatment. Having visited the foundation it is impossible not to be impressed by the passion and enthusiasm they work with.

The final aid scheme to help paediatric care in Argentina is still "in progress". It will be carried out at the "Hospital de Niños" in Buenos Aires under Doctor Cesar Petre’s management, as head of the neuro-surgery department.

These contributions are a big step for Augustea and aim to contribute towards the improvement of children’s lives by making services faster and more effective, minimizing stress to the young patients and giving them back the smile they deserve.