On November 23, 2016 Andriy Penkov, member of Kharkiv expert group in medical reform, President of the Ukrainian-German Medical Association, pediatrician of the highest category, MD, and Olena Riga, professor of the Pediatrics and Neonatology department at the Kharkiv National Medical University, MD, conducted the first training on palliative care for children at the Kharkiv Regional Specialized Baby Home #1.

Andriy Penkov described to the participants the models of pediatric palliative care. He emphasized: "Palliative care requires a high level of empathy, patience and communication. Therefore, to provide high quality palliative services, inner motivation of each employee is very important."

During the training medical professionals worked in groups on the palliative care services issues in the new Center of Rehabilitation and Palliative Care with Early Intervention Services.

Together with Olena Riga participants determined the main differences between palliative department and hospice, discussed problems of childhood morbidity and mortality.

Trainers draw attention to the role and importance of nurses in a palliative team. Experts also shared their knowledge of the particularities of the palliative care abroad.

The training session is conducted under the Project “Creating a new model of family-and-community oriented services for children with special needs” supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).