John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (KUL), Lublin University of Technology, and the Good Samaritan Hospice in Lublin have joined forces to support people in the terminal stage of cancer. Thanks to a newly signed agreement, projects such as the construction of a new hospice wing and the development of the surrounding grounds will now be possible.

The universities’ cooperation with the hospice dates back to 2023, when workshops were held to develop a concept for providing patients with access to green spaces. Participants also considered how to redesign the surrounding area to better serve the needs of the sick.

Support for Patients and Their Families

Quoted by KUL, Professor Zbigniew Pater, rector of Lublin University of Technology, emphasized that “A technical university also serves the people of the city and Poland.”

Meanwhile, KUL rector Rev. Professor Mirosław Kalinowski — who also serves as president of the board of the Lublin Society of Friends of the Sick “Good Samaritan Hospice” — expressed satisfaction that “The project is well advanced and thoroughly prepared.” He added: “The hospice is, above all, about the patients — helping them to die without pain. But it’s also about their families and the volunteers who spend many hours here. We want this to be a dignified and modern place.” Faculty from both universities are involved in the initiative.

“We’ll design the space to be accessible and inviting in every season,” said Paweł Adamiec, who, together with students, will be responsible for creating a garden that is “open to patients, their families, and volunteers.” Professor Natalia Przesmycka and Dr. Rafał Strojny, along with a team of young engineers from Lublin University of Technology, will oversee the expansion and modernization of the facility, implementing innovative architectural solutions.

A Unique Project

The total cost of the investment is estimated at PLN 7.2 million. If funding is secured, construction is expected to begin in spring 2026. In addition to the new building wing and landscaping, the plan includes installing an elevator and creating a winter garden.

The Good Samaritan Hospice provides free care to patients in the terminal stage of cancer, when curative treatment has ended and the focus shifts to managing symptoms. Each year, the hospice supports around 400 people, either on-site or through home visits.

Family News Service

photo: Adam Mielniczuk / POLLUB.TV