9 December 2013 – Aiming to meet the enormous challenges faced by health systems across Europe, Health First Europe today launched its’ Model for Community Care. Meeting with EU Health Commissioner Tonio Borg, Health First Europe members called for the European Commission to prioritise community care on the EU health agenda and bring forward a dedicated policy.
The HFE Community Care Model is a roadmap identifying six areas of needed reform to facilitate care that puts citizens at the centre of the system. The model focuses on establishing guiding principles to increase patient empowerment, preventive care and innovation to benefit citizens, carers, health systems and society. Honorary President John Bowis declared:
“Health systems continue to rely on a model where patients are cared for on the basis of acute episodes. With the rise of chronic diseases, this system will no longer be able to meet the demands of patients at the level of quality required. Community care can support overall citizen health and well-being in order to prevent the onset of disease, but also to ensure that care is managed in partnership with the citizen, throughout his/her life – not just during episodes of care. ”
Health First Europe Vice-President and patient representative, Albert van der Zeijden suggested, “We need greater EU leadership on community care policy to drive Member States to make solutions available to patients outside of acute settings to increase their quality of life.”
Representing healthcare workers, Health First Europe Vice-President Bert van Caelenberg agreed and argued that, “Community care offers many opportunities for healthcare workers. I hope that upcoming European Commission initiatives in 2014 focus on how professionals, patients and innovation can continue to be better connected to provide high quality care throughout the EU.”
To access the HFE Community Care Model, click here.
For more information, please contact:
Amanda Bogg
Director
+32 (0)2 626 1999