On October 9, Vinnytsia hosted a presentation and grand opening of the Patient's School social information and education project, which is starting its activities at the Podil Regional Oncology Center. The aim of the project is to provide patients with assistance from medical experts and psychologists, as well as answers to medical questions of concern to patients.
Serhiy Perehonchuk, director of the Podil Regional Oncology Center, expressed his opinion on the importance of this project: "We strive to provide patients with access to the most modern treatments and information. This project will help patients get the support they need and answers to all the questions they may have."
When presenting the activities of the psychological service in the project, Natalia Lapshova, a psychologist and a lecturer at the Department of Psychology at the Stus Donetsk National University, emphasized: "Illness is not only a physical problem, but also a psychological one. Our role is to help patients improve their quality of life and cope with the disease."
In addition to doctors and patients themselves, the school will be participated by psychologists, social workers, rehabilitation therapists, nurses, lawyers, mentors, and representatives of the clergy.
At the invitation of the organizers, the presentation of the Patient's School was attended by Archdeacon Vladyslav Demchenko, Secretary of the Vinnytsia-Bar Diocese of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, and Archpriest Vitaliy Holoskevych, a clergyman of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Vinnytsia.
Addressing the audience, Father Vitaliy recalled a well-known saying: "God does not give a person trials that exceed their strength." But at the same time, the priest cited the example of the Lord Jesus Christ, who also needed the help of another person to carry His cross. According to Father Vitaliy, a person facing a cancer diagnosis, on the one hand, fights the disease alone, and on the other hand, needs the support and attention of others: medical professionals, psychologists, and loved ones who should know and be able to support the patient both in word and deed. "That is why this school is a useful and necessary initiative, which will also involve representatives of the Church, and today I want to wish everyone who has become and will become members of the Patient's School team God's blessing and help," the priest summarized.
Representatives of the Podil Regional Oncology Center assured that very soon the Patient's School will open new opportunities for patients and announce the first media materials, class schedules, and first results.
Press service of the Diocese of Vinnytsia and Bar of the UOC (OCU)
