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13 February 2012 @ 12:20
Why patient safety and HTA are important - for us all
Too often we, as stakeholders in health, forget about whom we are talking when we say “patients.” We talk as if the patient is somewhere far away from our discussions [...]
Health First Europe
Health First Europe (HFE) is a Brussels-based, non-profit, non-commercial alliance of patients, healthcare workers, academics, healthcare experts and the medical technology industry. It was established in 2004 with a mission to ensure that each patient has equitable access to modern, innovative and reliable medical technology, and that healthcare is regarded as a vital investment in Europe’s future.
HFE is active in trying to establish patient-centred healthcare in Europe. It maintains a regular dialogue with health stakeholders and policymakers, as well as organising events, contributing to consultations and preparing publications, to raise awareness on health issues of importance throughout the EU. The 2011 working programme and topics of HFE include the Innovation Union, Health Technology Assessment (HTA), eHealth and Patient Safety.
The Honorary President of HFE is John Bowis, OBE, former Member of the European Parliament and UK Health Minister. The alliance operates under the patronage of David Byrne, who was European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection from 1999 to 2004. Eucomed supports the efforts of Health First Europe in ensuring patients are at the centre of healthcare, and its excellent work in bringing stakeholders together to further this debate.
More information: www.healthfirsteurope.org