This section features Questions and Answers with Jolanta Bilinska, Founding Director and Treasurer WPA.
Patients’ Voice is WPA’s quarterly Newsletter opening windows to news, activities, interactions and events organized by WPA, its member organizations around the globe and the international stakeholders working for patient safety and quality healthcare. Patients’ Voice features an interview with each Board Director in its quarterly issues and in November 2023 this is the time to meet Jolanta Bilinska. Patients’ Voice thanks Jolanta for sharing her story.
Patients’ Voice: When did you first get involved in the nonprofit world/community?
JB: I transitioned into a patient advocate role based on my experience as a journalist covering health issues in Poland. In 2002, I uncovered a distressing incident in a reputable hospital where 17 newborns tragically lost their lives, and 30 others were infected. Despite attempts by the hospital to conceal the cause, my investigation exposed that Klebsiella Pneumonia infection was responsible for these deaths. This revelation underscored a significant gap in communication between patients and healthcare providers. Throughout this ordeal, the mothers of the newborns were not adequately informed, and the hospital failed to disclose that the deaths resulted from contamination during the renovation of the theater room. Insufficient safety measures, failure to restrict access to the renovation site, and neglect in air purification were contributing factors. In response to these revelations, I submitted an application to the World Health Organization (WHO), and upon acceptance, I had the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals globally in 2005. Among them was Hussain Jafri, whose advocacy for patient safety resonated with me. Inspired by these shared values, I founded a foundation in Poland to address and promote patient safety concerns.
Patients’ Voice: What led you to get involved?
JB: The inspiration to contribute significantly to people’s well-being led me to aspire for elevated hygiene standards in hospitals, universal access to health facilities, and the creation of excellent educational resources for Polish citizens. In the initial stages, I undertook numerous humanitarian efforts, including trips to Iraq and Afghanistan. Collaborating with a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and psychologists, we provided essential equipment to a hospital in the Ghazni province, distributed medicines at Bagram base, and conducted vaccinations for children in Ghazni. A particularly heartening experience occurred in Al Kut when I met Huda Ali Muhammad Hamdallah, a delightful deaf girl. Her father, determined to seek treatment for Huda, brought her from Iraq to Poland. Over five visits, Polish Professor Henryk Skarżyński installed a new device, significantly improving Huda’s hearing. Witnessing her progress brought immense joy, and our connection continued as she called me every Christmas and birthday.
Simultaneously, I engaged in diverse projects worldwide, collaborating with champions in various regions. Notable endeavors included briefings in the European Parliament with the German champion PFPS, a trek to the Nanga Parbat base camp with a Pakistani champion, conducting handwashing initiatives in Uganda, and delivering lectures in Tuscany alongside an Italian champion. These experiences marked a truly wonderful period.
In Poland, I actively collaborated with other NGOs, fostering joint initiatives such as the Batory Foundation’s project on patient safety in Europe and organizing impactful conferences like “Safe Hospital, Safe Lives." Additionally, I undertook extensive translation work, bringing valuable health-related materials into the Polish language, and implemented various health-related forms.
Patients’ Voice: Is your background in nonprofit management or were you involved in a career when you began your work with Patients Safety Foundation?
JB: While employed at Calisia University Hospital, my true passion lies in my role with the foundation. With over 200 active members, we engage in extensive educational initiatives on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), capacity building, and training programs. Our advocacy campaigns cover crucial topics such as vaccines and address challenges outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO). Presently, a significant focus of my efforts involves working with senior individuals, specifically on promoting safe medication practices.
Patients’ Voice: What would you say is the most rewarding part of working with a nonprofit?
JB: My most notable accomplishment is gaining government recognition of patients as essential stakeholders in the healthcare system. I find fulfillment in the fact that patient organizations are now actively collaborating with the government on various health matters. Patients are included in the formulation of regulations pertaining to patient rights and safety in hospitals. Valuably, on official government pages, patients can readily access information about patient organizations, ensuring they receive pertinent information in the appropriate channels.
Patients’ Voice: What is the most challenging part of working with a nonprofit?
JB: The primary challenge in working with a nonprofit is financial constraints. Annually, I invest a significant amount of money to sustain the activities of my organization. While there is an opportunity to receive 1.5 percent of citizens’ taxes, the limited awareness of smaller nonprofits in my country makes it challenging to secure a share of this allocation. Insufficient funds hinder our ability to organize substantial events and conferences. However, I remain hopeful that in the future, the government will extend its support to our cause.
Patients’ Voice: What would you tell someone who was thinking about working or being involved with a nonprofit health organization?
JB: I find tremendous satisfaction in connecting with and collaborating with individuals, working collectively towards the noble ideals of patient-centered care, patient engagement, and empowerment. This shift has been transformative for me, marking a clear divide between my life before 2005 and everything that has transpired since. The ability to form friendships with individuals on every continent and engage in collaborative efforts globally is truly fulfilling—what could be more rewarding?
Patients’ Voice: What are you most proud of because of your work in the nonprofit world?
JB: Being a non-native English speaker, the nonprofit world has been my guide in learning the language. I take pride in the fact that I can now comprehend health issues across all six WHO regions.
Patients’ Voice: If you want, you can share a little bit about you. The number of kids, pets, and anything things else that would put a more personal spin on the article.
JB: I am the mother of two sons, both accomplished psychiatrists. Content with my life, I derive joy from my passions for music, travel, and reading books.