The NHS European Office covers EU developments across a wide range of areas which have potential implications for the NHS, and our 2010 policy priorities highlights key work areas in 2010.
These pages include information and updates on recent developments in areas of potential interest to the NHS. Employment issues are covered in the European employment policy section of the NHS Employers website. The more EU issues section of this site includes information on a wider range of EU developments and policy work over the longer term.
Work updates
Europe acts to promote safety of organ transplants
Europe's Health Ministers and Euro MPs have agreed an EU Directive aimed at ensuring the quality and safety of organs for transplant, building on the systems already in place in countries like the UK. See our page on organ donation and transplantation for more information.
Health ministers reach agreement on cross-border healthcare text
Meeting at the Health Council on 8 June, health ministers reached agreement on a common text on EU proposals aimed at clarifying the rules for patients seeking cross-border healthcare. See our cross-border healthcare page for more information.
New agreement on pollution control supports NHS views
Euro MPs and Ministers have reached an agreement on EU pollution controls (the IPPC directive) recognising hospitals' special requirements in relation to standby boiler and generator capacity. See our page on the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive for more.
Your views needed on clinical trials and In vitro diagnostic medical devices
The European Office will be responding to two European Commission consultations on behalf of the NHS in the coming months and needs your views now. Find out more about the consultations and how you can feed in your thoughts on the clinical trials and medical devices web pages.
European Parliament discusses late payment rules
At a recent meeting, the European Parliament's IMCO Committee voted for extra flexibility for public hospitals within rules aimed at combatting late payments in commercial transactions. The Committee also voted against a proposal for an automatic 5% fixed rate late payment fee.