The introduction of quality standards in healthcare was discussed at an off-site press conference using the example of the Lutsk Clinical Maternity Hospital, with the participation of First Deputy Mayor Sviatoslav Kravchuk.
He noted, in particular, that the effectiveness of the authorities' work is determined by two main parameters – the mortality rate and the birth rate. Against the backdrop of negative population growth in the state, in Lutsk we have been recording this indicator with a + sign for 3 years in a row. As for the dynamics of birth rate growth, today we have +25% compared to the 2002 level. The determining factors influencing these indicators, in addition to economic, material and living conditions, and social ones, are undoubtedly also the quality of specialized medical care.
Today, without exaggeration, it can be stated that the Lutsk Maternity Hospital is one of the best in Ukraine. This is also confirmed by the fact that every year the number of people from other regions of Ukraine wishing to use the services of the Lutsk Maternity Hospital specifically is growing. As Sviatoslav Kravchuk noted, the last two years have been quite successful for the city's healthcare system. For the first time, all planned measures were financed. During this period, the largest amount in the last 10 years of expensive modern medical equipment was purchased.
As for the maternity hospital, in 2002, at the expense of the local budget, in the amount of over UAH 3 million, major repairs were carried out on the obstetric building, the boiler room, disinfection chambers, and laundry were repaired and modernized, and a number of medical equipment items were purchased.
All this significantly improved the conditions of stay for women in labor and medical personnel. It also made it possible to introduce the latest treatment-diagnostic and health-improving methods.
In view of the above-mentioned transformations, it was the Lutsk Maternity Hospital that the WHO chose for the implementation, for the first time in Ukraine, of the pilot program "Healthy Mother – Healthy Child." In practically half a year, it was possible to significantly reduce the number of cesarean sections, the level of infant and maternal mortality, and to introduce family births. Through the Internet, doctors at the Lutsk Maternity Hospital have the opportunity to consult with leading specialists from Europe and the USA.
The training and workshops conducted under this program have allowed Lutsk specialists today to act as trainers. Thus, on the basis of the Lutsk Maternity Hospital, an All-Ukrainian seminar-training for neonatologists "Modern Perinatal Technologies" is being held. Together with Lutsk specialists, the seminar is conducted by leading specialists of the World Health Organization. Nursing and junior medical personnel from 7 regions of Ukraine are participating in the seminar. The Lutsk Maternity Hospital was chosen as the base given the highest technical and professional level of the institution. The purpose of the seminar is to study modern methods in the provision of prenatal and childbirth care.
This year, the city authorities plan to continue repair work as part of the major refurbishment of the main building of the maternity hospital.