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European Union of Private Hospitals

FHP SMR visit to the European Parliament: Europe of health and French stakeholders engagement

Last 21-22 March, we had the pleasure to host a visit of the FHP – SMR, Federation des hopitaux privés – Soins de suite et de readaptation, the French branch of private hospitals specialized in Post-acute care and rehabilitation, at the heart of the EU in Brussels.

Hosted by MEP Piernicola Pedicini (Greens/EFA), we had the chance to visit the European parliament and to organize a congress in the Parliament premises on the Europe of health and French stakeholders engagement.

MEP Pedicini, member of the Economy Committee (ECON) and substitute member of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), expressed words of support for private hospitals in Europe and for the key role they play for the sustainability of our healthcare systems.

He also stressed that now more than ever, after the COVID19 pandemic, it is clear that we need more Europe in health and more health in Europe, with the support of all actors involved including private hospitals.

The FHP SMR delegation had the chance to hear from Mr David Itier, R&I attaché at Permanent representation of France at the European Union about the Research & Innovation policies at EU level and French stakeholders engagement in Brussels, as well as rehabilitation provision in EU with a focus on the organization and financing of the rehabilitation services in Germany, by Mrs Ursula Becker, CEO Dr. Becker Clinic Group.

Last but not least, the FHP SMR delegation could benefit from the presentation of the “Be Well project”, which aims at promoting the upskill and reskill of the European health workforce, by George Valiotis, Executive Director, European Health Management Association (EHMA).

After the congress, which saw a very active participation and many questions to the speakers, the FHP SMR delegation had the chance to continue the visit of the European parliament to the plenary room.

We thank MEP Pedicini and his staff for hosting us and we look forward to continuing work with him and other members of the European Parliament to make our voice heard at all levels.