The NHS European Office actively monitors a wide range of EU channels in order to identify developments of potential importance for the NHS. A range of key policy developments are highlighted in the Our work section of this site. This page highlights a selection of news, publications, research and commentary from and about the EU regarding health and social care issues that may be of wider interest to NHS colleagues.
Guide on insured citizens' rights to healthcare benefits in Europe
The European Commission has published a guide to provide concise information on the social security rights of insured persons and their family members when moving within Europe, provided for by Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 (BR) and Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 (IR). The publication gives an overview of the rights to healthcare benefits and is aimed at the national institutions coordinating the rules on social security. See here for more information.
New tool to help hospitals prepare for emergencies
The WHO has published a free Hospital emergency response checklist to help hospitals provide their communities with essential medical care, particularly in crises or disasters. The tool can help hospital administrators and emergency managers to respond effectively to the most likely disaster and crisis scenarios. It comprises principles and current best practices for hospital-based emergency management, and brings together the priority actions required for rapid, effective response to a critical event, based on an all-hazards approach, which covers a large range of possible effects of risks and emergencies. Download it now from the WHO European region website.
The effect of the economic crisis on European Healthcare systems
The European Hospital and Healthcare Federation (HOPE) has produced a comprehensive report highlighting the effects of the financial and economic crisis on the healthcare systems in EU Member states. The report, entitled "Crisis and Healthcare", presents information gathered between March 2010 and February 2011 on a country by country basis and from four main perspectives: overall healthcare system, hospital system, healthcare professionals and citizens and patients. The report can be accessed here.
Hospitals in the EU 27
The European Hospital and Healthcare Federation (HOPE) has published an updated overview of hospital and healthcare systems across all 27 EU member states. The data, taken from the last three years, covers the main characteristics of the different healthcare systems and can be found on the HOPE website.
Studies on the affordability of and attitudes to alcohol in the EU
Two reports have been commissioned by the Health Directorate of the European Commission with the aim of understanding the link between alcohol affordability, consumption and harm, and surveying EU citizens' attitudes to alcohol. Read the studies on the European Commission Health website.
The European Health Report 2009
The WHO regional office for Europe has assessed public health indicators and trends over the past four years in order to provide EU countries with the best available evidence when designing healthcare policies. The report, which contains a useful annex of the data used in the analysis, can be downloaded from the WHO Europe website.
Tackling chronic disease in Europe
The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies has published a book highlighting the issue of chronic disease and focusing on the strategies and interventions that policy-makers have at their disposal to tackle this increasing challenge. To read the full book look on the European Observatory website.
Women's Health in the EU
The European Commission has for the first time published an overview of the state of women's health in the EU.The report states there is persistent evidence that sex and gender differences are not only relevant for reproductive health issues, but also for the prevalence of diseases, risk factors and healthcare among women. Find the report on the European Commission Health website.
EU renews fight against HIV/AIDS
A strategy for coordinated EU and International action to tackle HIV/AIDS across the EU and in neighbouring countries has been published. It sets out a renewed vision for action in priority areas including: prevention, access to treatment and quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS. Read the strategy on the European Commission Health website.
Health in the EU: trends and analysis
The WHO European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies has reviewed the differences in health status within and between EU countries, analysing the relationship between living conditions, socioeconomic factors and health. Visit the European Observatory website to read the full report.
Improving the lives of workers with musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the single largest cause of sickness absence in Europe. "Fit for Work Europe" is a new initiative from the Work Foundation which aims to work with health professionals, policy makers, employers and patients to improve the quality of working life for people with MSDs. Download the report on the Fit for Work Europe website.
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hen ICTs can improve efficiency and quality of care
The OECD have published a detailed report identifying the opportunities offered by ICTs to the health sector and the conditions under which they are most likely to result in efficiency and quality of care improvements. The report can be found on the European Commission Health website.
EU healthy eating campaign combats child obesity
The 'Tasty Bunch - eat it, drink it, move it' campaign aims to improve children's eating habits for life. It includes an interactive website, competitions and events, as well as a roadshow, which has taken activities and games to children in 173 schools across Europe. Find out more on the Tasty Bunch campaign website.
Who dies of what in Europe? EU atlas on mortality before age 65
Eurostat has published a report highlighting causes of avoidable mortality below age 65. Overall, life expectancy is high, but there are large differences across the EU with, for example, men in the Baltic states losing twice as many life years before 65 than the EU average. View the publication on the Eurostat website.
EU case law on freedom of movement in the healthcare sector
Leigh Hancher and Wolf Sauter, in association with Tilburg University, have produced a paper discussing European Court cases over the past 12 years in the area of competition law and freedom of movement in relation to healthcare services. Download the report from the Social Sciences Research Network website.
Private health insurance in the European Union
The European Commission has published a report providing an overview and analysis of markets for private health insurance (PHI) in the EU. The report looks at PHI in different EU countries and discusses its impact on health policy objectives and wider health systems. Read the report on the European Commission Social Affairs website.
Are practices in the pharmaceuticals market anti-competitive?
An inquiry into the pharmaceuticals sector carried out by the European Commission has found that competition is not working as well as it should. For example, there are delays in generic medicines reaching the market, and a decline in the number of novel drugs. Read the inquiry report on the European Commission Competition website.