Sofia's Tsaritsa Yoanna-ISUL hospital has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Princess Máxima Center for paediatric oncology in the Netherlands, described as the largest of its kind in Europe. The most complex cases from Bulgaria will be treated at the centre, using methods and techniques not yet used in Bulgaria.

Hospital director Lyubomir Penev signed for Bulgaria. Prof Rob Pieters, a founder of the centre and president of the World Association of Paediatric Oncology, signed for the Dutch side. The hospital's clinic for paediatric clinical haematology and oncology is also party to the agreement.

Bulgarian doctors will be able to go on training courses and take part in weekly specialist boards. They will see at first hand how the centre works, including long-term follow-up of cured patients, high quality of life, palliative care and psychological and social support. The aim is for the care of children with cancer in Bulgaria to meet the highest European and world standards.

The move fits the goals of the Bulgarian national hub of the Mission on Cancer, which is being set up.

Health minister Katya Ivkova congratulated the management of the hospital and the centre. She said the memorandum is a basis for better paediatric cancer care and for sharing skills and good ideas. She added that the Dutch centre's experience is the best in the EU in paediatric oncology. Greetings were also sent on behalf of Dr Vladimir Daskalov, head of the National Health Insurance Fund (NZOK), and on behalf of Prof Boycho Landzhov, rector of the Medical University of Sofia. Ivaylo Petrov of the Bulgarian national hub of the Mission on Cancer also sent greetings.

Director Lyubomir Penev said the document gives the clinic's team a chance to build on its knowledge, join specialist boards and "check its watch" in the care of children with cancer.

Prof Pieters said the centres in the Netherlands are united, which helps children from other countries as well as the Netherlands. In Bulgaria, he said, care is spread across separate units, and parents sometimes have to travel abroad with a sick child, so "valuable time and money are lost". He believes it is best to have the care of children with cancer in one place.

Pieters added that the cooperation is needed so that every child gets care and treatment. Diagnosis, data collection and taking part in European studies will improve, and this will help towards curing the children.

Prof Boryana Avramova, head of the clinic for paediatric clinical haematology and oncology, said her team puts in professionalism, heart and soul, but that is not enough. She said the agreement gives doctors a chance to train and gives children access to the best possible treatment. "Big victories come when we join forces," she said.