ITK, Tallinn Health Care College to train occupational therapy teachers for Ukraine

TALLINN – East-Tallinn Central Hospital (ITK) and Tallinn Health Care College are embarking on a project to train occupational therapists from Ukraine at Tallinn Health Care College.

A cooperation agreement to this effect was signed on Thursday by the rector of Tallinn Health Care College, Ulle Ernits, chairman of the management board of ITK Ralf Allikvee and the rector of the National University of Ukraine on physical education and sport, Yevgeniy Imas, spokespeople for ITK told BNS.

The main objective of the accord is to provide teachers of the curriculum of occupational therapy at the National University of Ukraine with additional know-how for developing the local curriculum and creating a contemporary learning environment. 

"We attach great importance to our trustful cooperation with Tallinn Health Care College, which ensures quality training of healthcare professionals. Now we are ready to make a contribution also outside of Estonia. East-Tallinn Central Hospital has engaged in cooperation with NATO/NSPA first and foremost in developing rehabilitative care in Ukraine, and the trilateral cooperation accord is a logical step forward," Allikvee said.

The rector of Tallinn Health Care College, Ulle Ernits, said the agreement signed on Thursday is not a first, as the college has trained Ukrainian healthcare professionals in collaboration with ITK also earlier.

"Occupational therapy training in Estonia got its start with support from our Swedish colleagues, now we support the development of occupational therapy in Ukraine in collaboration with the hospital," Ernits said. 

A total of six occupational therapists from Ukraine will take part in the program lasting from April to June 2019. According to the plan of the training program, theoretical training will take place by means of e-learning, classes will take place in the form of seminars, simulations and practical classes at Tallinn Health Care College, while clinical practice will take place at ITK.