A historic moment for the Polish long-term care system! I am delighted to announce the establishment of the Coalition for Long-Term Care and Nursing Care Facilities (ZOL/ZPO) – an initiative that has the potential to permanently transform the landscape of long-term care in Poland.
The Coalition was formed through the combined efforts of three key organizations:
- National Chamber of Care Homes (KiDO)
- Polish Hospital Federation (PFSz)
- Healthcare Poland Foundation (HCPL)
Why is this important?
Poland faces serious demographic challenges. Increasing life expectancy, growing clinical complexity of patients, and the need to ensure continuity of care after hospitalization require systemic solutions, not ad hoc measures.
The ZOL/ZPO sector has long struggled with:
- misalignment of NFZ contracting with real needs;
- lack of consistent quality standards and treatment outcome metrics;
- staffing deficits and the need for standardization;
- challenges in telecare and clinical nutrition.
The Coalition is meant to be the answer to these challenges.
Barbara Misińska’s Nomination as Chairperson
I am particularly pleased by the nomination of Barbara Misińska to the position of Coalition Chairperson. Ms. Barbara, as President of the largest ZOL in Poland (approximately 850 beds), brings not only extensive operational experience but also a vision for systemic change and the organizational infrastructure necessary to achieve the Coalition’s ambitious goals.
Her years of commitment to raising care standards and deep understanding of the challenges faced by both large and smaller facilities make her the ideal person to lead this initiative.
What does the Coalition aim to achieve?
Priorities for 2026 include:
- Dialogue Forum with MZ, NFZ and local governments – building a platform for real, substantive systemic agreements.
- Monitoring and data – creating a transparent database on needs and contracting.
- Quality standards – developing treatment outcome metrics and organizational recommendations.
- Staff and competencies – addressing staffing deficits through education and work standards.
- Innovation – development of telecare, clinical nutrition, and support for patients and caregivers.
A collaborative model based on dialogue
The Coalition does not create a new bureaucratic structure. It is a cooperation platform, operating under the Healthcare Poland Foundation, which provides secretariat and organizational support.
The structure includes:
- Coalition Council (presidents of the three founding organizations) – strategic level.
- Presidium with Barbara Misińska as Chairperson – operational level.
- Working groups in key thematic areas.
Invitation to collaborate
The Coalition is open in nature. We invite:
- Long-Term Care and Nursing Care Facilities (public and private).
- Entities operating long-term care units.
- Local governments, universities, experts.
- Partners supporting the development of care quality.
The first step on February 19, 2026 – an inaugural conference in Warsaw, where we will present details of the Coalition’s operations and plans for the coming months.
Together for better care
I believe that the Coalition under Barbara Misińska’s leadership will become the voice of the long-term care community, which will be heard in dialogue with decision-makers. This is an opportunity to build a system based on data, standards, and the real needs of patients.
As Ms. Barbara herself said: “Long-term care is not just about beds and contracts – it’s about dignity, continuity of treatment, and support for those most in need. The Coalition is meant to be a bridge between everyday practice and systemic solutions.”
I invite you to follow the Coalition’s activities and join an initiative that can truly transform Polish long-term care.
