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EU health policy: a lot remains to be done

Sir,

Regarding 'Stakeholders urge action on health services directive':

Although I understand the position of doctors and patients, I believe we should concentrate on our clinical practice and the 'soft law' initiatives in the pipeline. I would argue 'get the treaty signed first', but after it has been signed, a lot needs to be done! 

As highligted in my article 'The Future of the Health Services ', we do NOT need a second 'Bolkestein Tsunami'. Let us first concentrate on the DG Sanco 'soft law initiative': patient safety, the mobility of health professionals and quality standards. Of even more relevance is the stakeholder approach. 

All these initiatives are on track and are more important as this touches ALL EU citizens and not just a small percentage. As a practical example, EFN is part of the EU project on patient safety and all member states are engaged and committed. Isn't this brilliant!? Hospital care infections, medication errors, the 'brain drain' of nurses and many other issues are part of our daily challenges. 

We need to provide answers and solutions to these challenges. I believe DG Sanco is doing a great job in putting health at the top of the political agenda and we need to make sure the 'soft law initiatives' are successful. Do not put an elephant in a glazen house! 

If the 'hardcore legislation' comes out after the Irish vote on the treaty, then we look forward to the sessions in the European Parliament and a strong alliance within civil society. But if not, let's concentrate more on patient safety, the mobility of health professionals and quality standards within the EU. 

Paul de Raeve

General Secretary

European Federation of Nurses Associations ( EFN )

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