This year marks a historic milestone — for the first time in Ukraine, regions have been recognized for re-confirming their Angels Region status.
Three regions of Khmelnytskyi oblast — Khmelnytskyi region, Kamianets-Podilskyi region, and Shepetivka region — first achieved this recognition in 2024 and continued their dedicated, consistent work throughout 2025.
Over the past year, hospitals in these regions have continued improving the quality of stroke care, and emergency medical services have finetuned their stroke recognition skills, ensuring faster transportation to appropriate stroke centers. In addition, a committed group of healthcare professionals and educators, together with Angels Initiative consultant Tamara Zabashta, have continued implementation of the FAST Heroes educational program.
As a result of this joint effort, the Department of Health reported a 40% increase in EMS calls for stroke symptoms within the therapeutic time window, along with significantly clearer symptom descriptions.
The Angels team in Ukraine express their gratitude for the outstanding work of these hospitals:
- Dunaivtsi Multidisciplinary Hospital
- Shepetivka Multidisciplinary Hospital
- Starokostiantyniv Multidisciplinary Hospital
- Horodok City Multidisciplinary Hospital
- Slavuta City Hospital named after F. M. Mykhailov
- Kamianets-Podilskyi City Hospital
- Krasyliv Multidisciplinary Hospital
- Khmelnytskyi City Hospital
- Khmelnytskyi Regional Hospital
- Volochysk Multidisciplinary Hospital
They also thank the Department of Health and the Department of Education of Khmelnytskyi Region for their continuous and dedicated work.
Leadership and expert support
Former Director of the Department of Health Tetiana Kosovska, a friend of the strategy from the outset, highlighted the significant improvements in stroke care and supports further development at every stage, while the Chief Neurologist of Khmelnytskyi region Liudmyla Stepaniuk continues to actively support the development of the professional community and the advancement of stroke care across the region.
Inspiring young neurologists leading the future
In Kamianets-Podilskyi region, Oleksandra Holod is actively contributing to the field by presenting at major conferences on RES-Q quality monitoring and helping educate the next generation. Her example proves that the impossible is actually possible. Tamara shares that it is an honor to work with such motivated young professionals and be inspired by their energy.
In Shepetivka region, young neurologist Ihor Krylov has represented the hospital at ESOC for the second consecutive year and has even been featured in local media. He actively works with the RES-Q registry and says: “Working with the RES-Q registry is an excellent way to ensure adherence to global stroke treatment standards. It also helps adapt both paper and electronic medical records for stroke units.”
Tamara Zabashta emphasizes that the future of Ukraine belongs to such dedicated and proactive neurologists: "Together, we are saving lives and building a stronger stroke care system in Ukraine." Lev Prystupiuk concurs: "This demonstrates the stability and growth of the entire community – together, we are transforming stroke care ."
