Following intensive planning and preparation of the programme, the journey to four cities in western Ukraine took place from 14 May to 26 May 2026, organised in collaboration with Halyna Lejzjus. The starting point was Ivano-Frankivsk, the very city where the project work began in 2017 and has been ongoing ever since. We travelled by train, always laden with many books from the palliative care book series launched in 2021.

Aims of the trip:

• Presentation of the book series and individual volumes
• Donation of the books to libraries
• Lectures
• Visits to medical colleges, academies and (medical) universities
• Establishment and strengthening of partnerships
• Meeting and professional exchange with representatives of the institutions, with lecturers, students, doctors, psychologists, nurses and clergy
• Promoting the important topic of palliative care across all professional groups

The agenda during these special days in May was packed with events: lectures, book presentations, discussions, etc. I shall attempt to give you, dear readers, a brief impression of all this. I would have liked to have described the many valuable encounters and experiences in greater detail. As it stands, my attempt to put the various stages of this journey into words is often too matter-of-fact and brief. The richness of the experience, the appreciation and gratitude towards our colleagues in Ukraine, and the prospects for the future may remain entirely unaffected by this brevity.

My very special thanks, however, go to Halyna. She is the one who made all this possible: as organiser and coordinator, lecturer, spokesperson, interpreter, translator, strategic contributor, book seller and, of course, as a cultural bridge between Germany and Ukraine.

IVANO-FRANKIVSK

14–18 May 2026

Exchange of specialist literature on the fringes of an international nursing symposium

In the course of her investigations, Halyna Lejzjus came across a recently published book entitled „Palliative Care in General Practice“, authored by the team at Children’s Polyclinic No. 6 in Odessa and the local Centre for Psychophysical and Social Support. A proposal was made to the team in Odessa to exchange our teaching materials on palliative care. Even before 14 May – on 4 May, to be precise – this opportunity arose during an international nursing congress in Ivano-Frankivsk. Halyna presented volumes 1, 3 and 4 of our series to the head nurse, Alla Kuzhel, and in return received the information and training guide from Odessa. Our publications were subsequently sent to Odessa to the director, Serhiy Horischak, and to the team at the local polyclinic.

Book presentation at the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Council Regional Hospital

At the start of a workshop on palliative care topics, we had the opportunity to briefly present our book series to the nursing participants. This was followed by a meeting with Natalya Ruzhylo. She is the head of the Prikarpatska School of Nursing, deputy medical director for nursing at the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Council’s Regional Clinic, and an expert on nursing matters within the Regional Administration’s Health Department.

We have maintained a good relationship with Natalya Ruzhylo for many years, as she was also a member of the project group for the first volume of the book series. Promoting palliative care in Ukraine is a matter close to her heart. To our delight, she purchased a large number of books for the school.

Lecture and guided tour of the Ivano-Frankivsk Medical Professional College (IFOR)

The lecture, delivered to third-year nursing students, lecturers and the college administration, was divided into two parts. The first part introduced the Johannes Hospice in Münster. Almost all third-year nursing students have already completed a voluntary placement in palliative care. At the director’s suggestion, the second part of the lecture focused on what distinguishes palliative care and what might motivate someone to pursue this field. The lecture took place in a seminar room designed to provide shelter during air raids.

The event concluded with a guided tour of the college, including the library, led by the director. Halyna Lejzjus had already visited the college in February. During that visit, she had met with final-year students, presented books from the palliative care series and donated them to the library.

Image rights: Medical College

Lecture at Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University (IFNMU), Department of General, Family and Emergency Medicine

The lecture focused on the topic of „Nutrition in Palliative Care“, which is the subject of the fourth volume in the book series. Professor Serhiy Fedorov, Doctor of Medical Sciences and Head of the Department of Therapy, Family and Emergency Medicine, and Ljubow Skrypnyk, Lecturer and Doctor of Medical Sciences, hosted the presentation. The Department of General, Family and Emergency Medicine at the IFNMU regularly organises thematic training courses for doctors in palliative medicine.

The event was attended by lecturers, doctors and anyone interested in the development of palliative care. Volodymyr Borys, Director of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Clinical Centre for Palliative Medicine, was also among those present.

Following the lecture, it was agreed that Andreas Stähli would be given the opportunity to deliver two lectures on practical topics in palliative care at two congresses in November and December 2026 respectively.

TERNOPIL

19 May 2026

Rectorate of Ternopil National Medical University (TNMU): Meeting and prospects for cooperation

The working visit to Ternopil began with a meeting at the Rectorate of the medical university. During the one-hour discussion with the Rector of TNMU, Professor Petro Lychatskyi, the Vice-Rector for Scientific and Pedagogical Work, Professor Arkadii Shulhai, the Dean of the Faculty for International Students, Professor Maria Maruschak, and the Deputy Director of the Teaching and Research Institute for Nursing, Lecturer Lyudmyla Mazur, the focus was on the promotion and development of educational formats in palliative care, as well as opportunities for future collaboration. There is considerable interest in the introduction of a new specialised study programme, „Palliative Care for Clinical Psychologists“, and in improving the range of courses offered in the field of palliative care. The book series and the curriculum for palliative care psychology, translated into Ukrainian, were presented to the university library.

Rector Petro Lychatskyi invited Andreas Stähli to teach as a visiting lecturer at the university in future. Furthermore, there is a willingness to realise further publication ideas with the assistance of the university press „Ukrmedknyha“.

Image rights: Janina Chaikivska, Press Officer at TNMU

Lecture at Ternopil National Medical University, Department of Psychiatry, Narcology and Medical Psychology

Following the meeting at the Rector’s Office, there was an opportunity to present the key content of the third volume of the book series on „Communication and Emotions in Palliative Care“ to students of clinical psychology and nursing. The lecture was also attended by staff from the Departments of Psychiatry, Narcology and Medical Psychology, Advanced Nursing Education, Nursing and Clinical Immunology, doctors from the Regional Hospital for Psychiatry and Neurology in Ternopil, the Director of the Arsen Rychynsky Medical College in Kremenets, Petro Mazur, and staff from the college.

After the presentation had finished, there was an opportunity to visit the psychiatric ward of the Regional Hospital for Psychiatry and Neurology in Ternopil, as well as the Department of Psychiatry, Narcology and Medical Psychology. It was agreed that Andreas Stähli would offer lectures and courses for clinical psychologists in the field of palliative care.

Image rights: Ternopil Medical University

Visit to the Municipal Hospital for Acute Medical Care (Building No. 1), the RECOVERY Rehabilitation Centre and the POVERNENNYA Mental Health Centre in Ternopil

Andriy Palamarchuk, Deputy Director of the Municipal Hospital for Acute Medical Care in Ternopil and former Chief Physician at the ‘Hospice’ Regional Hospital, gave us an insight into the structure of a hospital for inpatient acute care in Ternopil at the end of the day. Andriy Palamarchuk has been associated with our work for many years. He has previously visited Münster to visit the Johannes Hospice.

The hospital in Ternopil is part of the national network of innovative rehabilitation centres, RECOVERY. There, wounded soldiers and veterans receive free, high-tech rehabilitation ranging from physiotherapy and occupational therapy to psychological support. Andriy Palamarchuk arranged for us to tour the state-of-the-art facilities and see the advanced technology. Located in the immediate vicinity is the recently established mental health centre known as POVERNENNYA. In these new premises, specialists help soldiers, veterans, former prisoners of war, their families and civilian patients to cope with the psychological consequences of war.

CHERNIVTSI

20–21 May 2026

Last September, we had the pleasure of meeting Olexander and Iryna Marchuk from Chernivtsi at the book launch for „Nutrition in Palliative Care“. This was followed by an invitation to Bukovina, which we have gladly accepted. Iryna Marchuk holds a PhD in Nursing and is a lecturer at the Medical College in Chernivtsi. Oleksander Marchuk holds a PhD in Religious Studies and is a lecturer at the Medical College and at Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi State University.

In anticipation of 21 May, Vyshyvanka Day in Ukraine, Andreas Stähli received a vyshyvanka by Mr and Mrs Marchuk, – a traditional Ukrainian shirt characterised by intricate, hand-crafted embroidery – which he wore during the events.

Visit to the Medical Professional College

Frozyna Kuzyk, Doctor of Medical Sciences and Director of the Medical Professional College of Medicine, gave a tour of the premises and explained the individual departments. Meeting the students and lecturers provided a vivid impression of the college. Volumes 1–4 of the book series were presented to the library.

Image rights: Medical College

Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University: Interdisciplinary seminar and signing of a memorandum

An interdisciplinary seminar on the topic of „Ethics of professional assistance in crisis and borderline situations: spiritual dimension and interdisciplinary approach“ took place at Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, organised jointly by Iryna Marchuk, Oleksandr Marchuk and Andreas Stähli. The title of Andreas Stähli’s presentation was ‘Self-care and Spirituality’.

The event was opened by Iryna Osovska, Vice-Rector for Scientific, Educational, International and Humanitarian Work at the university, and Frozyna Kuzyk, Director of the Medical College. The event was attended by healthcare professionals from the region, in particular nurses, students, theologians and lecturers.

The event concluded with the signing of a cooperation agreement between the University, the Medical College in Chernivtsi and Andreas Stähli. The collaboration envisages educational initiatives, particularly in the field of palliative care and the further development of clinical pastoral care.

Image rights: Medical College, University, Olexander Marchuk

Bukovina State Medical University, Library: Introduction to the book series

The event was organised by Prof. Olga Yurtsenyuk from the Department of Neurology, Psychiatry and Medical Psychology. Following the presentation, a copy of the fourth volume, „Nutrition in Palliative Care“, was presented to the university library.

Image rights: University

IVANO-FRANKIVSK

22–25 May 2026

Meeting with Olha Lasiychuk

Olha Lasiychuk is a nurse and works at the non-profit Centre for Primary Medical Care in Horodenka. She is a member of the Ukrainian Academy of Family Medicine and was honoured with the award “Best Nurse of Ukraine 2026”. Over a cup of coffee, we discussed palliative care, quality and qualifications in palliative care in Ukraine, teaching, and, of course, books. As a gift, we had brought Olha the third volume of the book series; she now owns all four volumes.

King Danylo University (KDU) Ivano-Frankivsk: Presentation of the book series

At King Danylo University, we focused on volumes 3 and 4 of our book series. The audience consisted of psychology students and lecturers from the university. The event was organised by Natalia Hryhorska, Head of the Marketing and Public Relations Department and lecturer at the Chair of Management and Administration.

At the end of the event, we presented the books to Ivanna Strychar, Head of the Library at King Danylo University.

Image rights: King Danylo University

LVIV

26 May 2026

The final stop on our journey was Lviv. Located near the border with Poland, Andreas Stähli set off from there in the evening on his journey back to Germany.

Visit and book presentation at the Professional College of Postgraduate Medical Education, Lviv

A presentation of the book series took place at the Professional College of Postgraduate Medical Education, attended by lecturers and nurses currently undertaking specialisation and further training courses at the college. The college’s director, Lesya Vovk, a person who has received numerous awards in Ukraine, emphasised in her introduction the importance of further developing palliative care in Ukraine. Following the presentation, the director gave a tour of the various departments. At the end of the meeting, Andreas Stähli signed the books presented and donated them to the college library.

Image rights: Medical College

Discussion and handover of the book series to the Rector of the Andriy Krupinsky Medical Academy, Lviv

The discussion with Prof. Yuriy Kryvko, Rector of the Academy and Doctor of Medical Sciences, focused on providing information and handing over the publication series to the academy’s specialist library, including the curriculum for palliative psychology.

Reading room of the Scientific Library of Danylo Halytskyi Medical University: lecture and book gift

The topic of the lecture, which was attended by students, academics and practising doctors, was: „Ukraine and Germany: Educational Projects in Times of War“. 

The event, held in the library hall dating from 1860 and designed entirely in the Neo-Rococo style, was hosted by the Scientific Library of Danylo-Halytskyi Medical University and the Medical Commission of the T. Shevchenko Scientific Society (NTSh). Its chair and head of the Department of Surgical Operations with Topographical Anatomy, Professor Zoryana Masna, introduced the event. Following the lecture, books from the publication series for the Scientific Library were presented to the university’s chief librarian, Yaroslava Shchogoleva. The editor-in-chief of the journal „Medical Sciences. Proceedings of the Shevchenko Scientific Society“, Professor Valentina Chopjak, gave the guests a copy of the journal and invited them to contribute to it. Professor Zoryana Masna presented certificates of appreciation on behalf of the Medical Commission of the NTSh and expressed her hope for the continuation of this valuable collaboration.

Image rights: Volodymyr Banyas, Department of Communications and Public Relations

Conclusion: Summary

The journey was characterised by a high level of professional engagement and great hospitality. It undoubtedly represents one of the highlights of the project work for and with Ukraine, which has been ongoing since 2017.

An important objective even before the trip was to donate our textbooks from the publication series to libraries of (medical) universities and colleges, so that they are available to as many students and lecturers as possible. The map of Ukraine shown in the image provides a good overview of the current status. We will continue to work on this in the coming months.

One key outcome of the trip is the high level of interest shown by universities and colleges in collaborating. I would cite, for example, the memorandum signed in Chernivtsi and the offer of a visiting lectureship in Ternopil. The desired focus areas for collaboration lie in palliative care, as well as spiritual care and topics within palliative psychology.

***

Book presentation in Ivano-Frankivsk

On 16 October 2025, the presentation of the new reference book ‘Nutrition in Palliative Care’ took place at the Hotel Stanislaviv in Ivano-Frankivsk. The editors Dr Maria Bullermann-Benend (ecotrophologist), Dr Halyna Lejzjus and Dr Andreas Stähli had issued the invitations.

The presentation was attended by 105 guests, not only from Ivano-Frankivsk, but also from the regions of Ternopil, Chernivtsi and Lviv: doctors, nurses, psychologists, pastoral carers, social workers and volunteers, teachers and students from universities and colleges, senior staff from the university and city administration, representatives of the university library, …

After the welcome and introduction, the first part consisted of a lecture by Andreas Stähli, who presented the numerous topics covered in the new reference book. In the second part, Halyna Lejzjus, who translated the book from German into Ukrainian, explained the particular challenges and tasks involved in such a translation project. At the same time, she gave an overview of the important chapter she wrote on multi-generational eating biographies.

One day before the presentation, on 15 October 2025, the new reference book was presented as part of a course for nurses at the training centre at the regional hospital in Ivano-Frankivsk. Here, too, it was a pleasure to see the great interest shown in key topics in palliative care.

The stay in Ukraine began with a visit to the university library in Ivano-Frankivsk, which was given a copy of each book in the series, which began in 2021, for its library collection. For Andreas Stähli, his new book project, “Spirituality and Spiritual Care in Palliative Care”, offers the opportunity to consult existing Ukrainian specialist literature. He has already been provided with an initial detailed list of research findings.

The trip ended with a conversation with Father Yaroslav Rokhman on the subject of spirituality and spiritual care. He confirmed the importance of such a publication for the various professional groups involved in palliative care in Ukraine.

My special thanks go to Halyna Lejzjus, who, in addition to the demanding tasks of interpreting, organised and coordinated these visits, conversations and presentations.

BOOK SERIES

In 2021, a series of publications on important topics in the field of palliative care began to be released in Ukrainian. To date, the first four volumes have been published and are available for purchase.