The „Grigore Alexandrescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children in Bucharest stands as a landmark in the history of pediatric medicine, being the first hospital in Eastern Europe dedicated exclusively to children. Founded in 1886, the hospital was built following an English design, adapted by Romanian builders who completed the construction in just 20 months. The official inauguration took place on May 11, 1886. This English model also inspired the construction of two other hospitals: one in London, which currently functions as a port warehouse, and one in Saint Petersburg, which was demolished after World War II.

Early Expansions and Organization of Clinics

In 1893, the hospital underwent its first major expansion with the establishment of a pavilion for contagious diseases and the pathology service. 

By the end of the 19th century, in 1899, the hospital operated with three main clinics: the Pediatric Clinic of the Faculty of Medicine, led by Professor Dr. Tomescu, with 45 beds; the Surgery Clinic, led by Professor Dr. Romniceanu, also with 45 beds; and the Contagious Diseases Clinic, directed by Dr. M. Mirinescu. This structure provided the foundation for further development of pediatric specialties and medical services.

In 1914, the Surgery and Orthopedics Clinic was established under the leadership of Professor Dr. I. Bălăcescu, who served until 1938. 

During this period, significant modernizations took place, including the creation of radiology and medical gymnastics services, the construction of an operating room with an amphitheater, and the introduction of central heating. These improvements set the stage for a modern standard of pediatric care in Romania.

Modernizations and Developments in the Post-War Period

A full renovation of the hospital took place in 1959, including important updates to the Surgery Clinic. On January 1, 1989, the Burns, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery Department was established, led by Dr. Dan Enescu, marking another major step in the hospital’s specialization. 

In 1992, the „Grigore Alexandrescu” Children’s Hospital Foundation was established, with Associate Professor Dr. Orășeanu Dumitru as president, and extensive exterior renovations and updates to the building’s installations were carried out between 1992 and 1994.

With the arrival of Associate Professor Dr. Coriolan Ulmeanu as hospital director in 1995, the Clinical Toxicology Department was created, with 25 beds, becoming the only pediatric department of its kind in Romania. 

In 1999, the Toxapel emergency telephone service was launched within this department to provide parents with guidance on first aid in cases of child poisoning. At its inception, Toxapel was the only service of its kind in Eastern Europe, reflecting the hospital’s commitment to prevention and public health education.

Current Capacity and Performance

Today, „Grigore Alexandrescu” Hospital has 506 beds, handling approximately 24,000 admissions annually and over 200,000 consultations through the Outpatient Surgery and Pediatrics Service. 

The Pediatric Toxicology Department treats over 1,000 toxic comas annually, while the Plastic Surgery and Burns Clinic manages more than 1,200 severe cases each year. This includes complex interventions such as trauma reconstruction, limb reimplantations, treatment of congenital limb malformations, and management of severe burn injuries.

The Pediatric Orthopedics Clinic is unique in Romania, being the only service performing scoliosis surgeries, congenital hip dislocations, post-traumatic conditions, infections, and bone dystrophies. This department also houses the country’s only bone bank. The Pediatric Urology Department is unparalleled in Romania, treating up to 3,000 cases of congenital urogenital malformations annually.

Since December 1999, most emergency departments have been equipped with high-performance medical devices: nine fully equipped operating rooms, modern anesthesia and monitoring equipment, neonatal resuscitation with 15 incubators and three assisted ventilation stations, a dialysis department, and updated radiology equipment.

Role of Medical Staff and Continuous Training

A remarkable feature of the hospital is its predominantly female medical team, which makes up 90% of the staff, totaling 647 people.

In recent years, many young medical professionals have benefited from training in France through exchange programs with Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux. 

Continuous professional development is also carried out in collaboration with clinics in Italy and Germany, ensuring a high level of expertise and medical professionalism.

Early Initiatives for Pediatric Care in Romania

The history of pediatric care in Bucharest predates the establishment of the current hospital. Alexandru Dimitrie Ghica, acting ruler (caimacam) of Wallachia, issued directives for the creation of a children’s hospital. 

In 1857, Dr. Iuliu Barach prepared a project, and on October 10, 1858, a provisional hospital with 40 beds was inaugurated. It operated in two inadequate locations until the construction of the current „Grigore Alexandrescu” Children’s Hospital.

The „Grigore Alexandrescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children is not only a medical institution but also a symbol of progress in pediatric medicine and dedication to children’s health. 

From its first beds inaugurated in 1886 to the high-performance services it provides today, the hospital remains a cornerstone of Romanian medicine and a reference point in Eastern Europe. With a professional medical team, modern equipment, and a tradition of education and prevention, „Grigore Alexandrescu” continues to lead in pediatric healthcare, preparing and inspiring future generations of specialized physicians.

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