Nurses from various prisons, forensic and civilian hospitals across Romania participated in an intensive 5-day course on mental health nursing, held at Obregia University Hospital, Bucharest on 20-25 April 2026. The first phase of the training brought together nurses with extensive experience,  recognizing significant contribution that the specialized mental health nurses can make in challenging environments.

The pilot training was delivered using a specialised programme developed by the Inter-Agency working group lead by  consultants based on successful model established in the UK and adapted to Romania’s local context. The programme aims to broaden the role of nurses as members of multidisciplinary teams, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to undertake nursing assessment and care planning, and promoting a holistic, person-centered approach to care. The participants will receive credits upon successful completion of the course.

This newly developed programme and its pilot implementation represents the first steps towards introducing the mental health nurse specialisation in Romania. The initiative is driven by the urgent need to address personnel shortages within the penitentiary system. The process is highly supported by the Order of Nurses and Midwives, Ministry of Health, National Administration of Penitentiaries and the Association of Psychiatric hospitals

The activity is carried out as part of the project “Enhancing Health Care and Human Rights Protection in Closed Institutions in Romania”, which is financed and implemented by the Council of Europe.