Fundusze Europejskie dla Lubelskiego

Two projects of strategic importance included in the Programme Contract for the Lubelskie Voivodeship are being implemented by the Prof. M. Kaczyński Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Lublin within the framework of the European Funds for Lubelskie 2021-2027 Programme:

1. The Project titled ‘Operation and Development of the Regional Centre for Children's and Youth's Mental Health at the Prof. M. Kaczyński Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Lublin’ successfully raised funds in the approximate amount of PLN 7.6 million within the framework of Measure 8.6 Health Services. The Co-financing Agreement for the Project, that includes training for medical staff and teachers from collaborating institutions, was concluded on January 30, 2024.
2. The Project titled ‘Improving Access to Healthcare Services in the Field of Psychological and Psychiatric Care and Addiction Treatment for Children and Youth through the Establishment of the Regional Centre for Children's and Youth's Mental Health at the Prof. M. Kaczyński Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Lublin’ valued at nearly PLN 53 million, successfully raised funds from the EU in the amount of over PLN 43 million and from the State Budget in the amount of almost PLN 5.5 million within the framework of Measure 7.8 Healthcare Infrastructure. The Co-financing Agreement was concluded on April 5, 2024 (see more).

Both of the Hospital's Projects are complementary to one another.

One of the objectives of the aforementioned projects is to erect a building that will, inter alia, house a Mental Health Clinic for children and youth and a 24-hour Psychiatric Ward. Additionally, psychological clinics for children and youth will be established in Cholewianka, Chełm, Radecznica, and Suchowola. As part of the collaboration, efforts will be made to promote mental health for the children and youth in the Lubelskie Voivodeship through organisation of conferences and training sessions as well as professional development for educational staff in this area.

The implementation of the aforementioned projects under the European Funds for Lubelskie 2021-2027 Programme will involve the establishment of 120 psychological support points in educational centres. The joint efforts aim to improve the mental well-being of the children and youth and develop a community-based model of psychological healthcare for young patients. It will be achieved through the creation of a network of cooperating institutions and entities where coordinated support may be provided.

Operation and Development of the Regional Centre for Children's and Youth's Mental Health at the Prof. M. Kaczyński Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Lublin

The Project titled ‘Operation and Development of the Regional Centre for Children's and Youth's Mental Health at the Prof. M. Kaczyński Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Lublin’ will also aim to develop a community-based model of psychiatric healthcare for the children and youth in the Lubelskie Voivodeship. It will be achieved through the organisation of treatment, specialist care, and social integration based on the RCZP. That Project includes establishment of a psychological support system in primary schools, secondary schools, kindergartens, and special centres. The Project also plans to enhance hospital staff capabilities through training and study visits for psychiatrists, and training for psychologists, psychotherapists, and community therapists. Professional development opportunities will additionally be provided for staff in educational institutions that have committed to participating in the Project.

Benefits for the Region

The statistics and demographics of the region highlight the critical need for that Project. According to the data published by the Central Statistical Office (GUS) as of December 31, 2023, there are 384,591 children and youth (under 18 years old) living in the Lubelskie Voivodeship. The data published by the World Health Organization (WHO) suggest that the prevalence of mental disorders in this age group could affect between 10% and 20% of the population. Therefore, the mental health care system in our region should be prepared to serve between 38,000 and over 76,000 individuals. Additionally, there is a growing trend in the demand for health services, increasing by 10-20% each year. Key issues faced by individuals with mental disorders in this age group include limited access to psychiatric services, long waiting times, and access to substandard infrastructure. Those factors contribute to stigmatisation and may lead to social exclusion for the children and youth with mental health issues.

The Projects implemented by the Prof. Mieczysław Kaczyński Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Lublin are designed to address all of those challenges and improve access to mental health services for the children and youth in the region. It is estimated that approximately 12,500 individuals will benefit annually from the new or modernised healthcare facilities in effect of the implementation of those projects.