During July 2021 project partners participated in Study visit to Poland in the scope of the IMPHACT project.
The goal of the study visits within this project is to gain new knowledge, exchange experiences and get acquainted with examples of good practice in the field of palliative medicine. This activity will greatly contribute to the improvement of palliative care in the region. Poland was chosen as a study visit destination because it has made impressive progress in the field of palliative care, especially in terms of the number of departments specialized in palliative care and rich experience with projects related to palliative care service.
On July 13th 2021 project partners visited the Hospice of St. Lazarus in Krakow. The Hospice of St. Lazarus is led by the non-governmental organization Society of Friends of the Sick, which provides comprehensive care for severely ill people in the terminal stages of their disease. Hospice care is free of charge and is provided by a team of professional staff as well as volunteers. The team members got to know the organisational structure of the Hospice and made a tour around the Hospice.
On July 14th 2021 project partners visited the Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital in Krakow. Doctor Michael J. Kozlowski, on behalf of the Department of the Pain Treatment and Palliative Care, presented the organization of palliative medicine in Poland and the organizational structure of the Department of Palliative Medicine of the University Hospital in Krakow. Doctor Kozlowski also explained the function of the Department of Pain Treatment and Palliative Care, as well as the main challenges and problems they face in palliative medicine. The visit was concluded with a tour of the Department of Palliative Medicine.
During the study visit to Krakow, the project partners had a chance to meet the Honorary Consul of Croatia in Krakow, Mr. Pawel Wlodarczyk. They exchanged experience regarding palliative care services and established agreements on the possibilities of future cooperation.
