NHS engagement with the EU NHS Confederation Conference 23 June 2010

Why engage with the EU? Increasing EU influence on healthcare systems EU laws have legal force in UK EU institutions are seeking input from stakeholders EU is a source of funding Exchange of best practice

NHS European Office Established at the end of 2007Nationwide resource Represents all NHS organisations in England to EU decision-makers Part of the NHS Confederation Based in Brussels and in London

Office’s objectives Monitor EU developments Inform NHS bodies of EU policy and law Brief and advise on EU funding Facilitate transfer of experience Influence EU proposals in the interest of the NHS

Broad policy focus NHS as a provider and commissioner of healthcare NHS as a business NHS as an employer

Influenced EU policy and law some examples: Introduced changes to EU proposals on patient mobility Amended EU law on organ donation and transplantation Changed EU recommendation on patient safety and HCAIs Gained opt-out for hospitals from EU ETS Amended EU law on energy performance of buildings Influenced EU law on procurement of clean vehicles Responded to EU consultations on clinical trials, medical devices, health workforce, health inequalities, information to patients, health and safety at work, etc.

Assisted NHS to implement EU law some examples: Advised on the application of EU competition law to NHS activities Briefed and advised on new EU law on public procurement remedies Provided guidance on current EU rules on patient mobility Assisted with transposition of EU law into UK regulations: EU ETS, EU directive on procurement of clean vehicles

Advised on EU funding some examples: Identified linkages with NHS innovation and research agendas Early intelligence and briefings on EU funding opportunities Provided advice on how to apply and on partnership-building Influenced priorities of forthcoming calls for projects

Facilitated transfer of good practice some examples: Enabled NHS participation in study visits and EU exchange programmes Placed NHS speakers at several EU events Study tours to Brussels and meetings with EU decision-makers Facilitated exchanges with counterparts in other member states Organised visits of EU decision-makers to NHS trusts

Policy priorities in 2010/11 EU proposals on cross-border healthcare Review of Working Time Directive Changes to EU law on clinical trials Review of law on mobility of professionals EU proposals on commercial transactions Review of EU law on industrial pollution EU developments on quality of healthcare Review of EU law on maternity leave Changes to EU framework on state aids and public services

Conclusions GET IN TOUCH! NHS European Office key mechanism We rely on NHS frontline expertise Nevertheless, increasing influence of the EU Important for the NHS to engage when EU policy is shaped Provision, organisation and funding of healthcare are national competences Limited EU role in healthcare