The NHS European Office provides an essential link between European policy makers and the NHS. The Office is funded by the Strategic Health Authorities and is part of the NHS Confederation.
Our Objectives
The NHS European Office's main objectives include:
- monitoring EU policy and legislative developments which are important to the NHS
- keeping NHS organisations abreast of EU developments
- carrying out impact assessments of key EU proposals and influencing them in the interest of the NHS
- informing NHS organisations of EU support for innovation and funding opportunities.
The European Office monitors and engages with EU developments which have an impact on the NHS as:
- a provider and commissioner of healthcare
- an employer
- a business.
Our Work Programme
A wide range of EU developments impact on the NHS. We have identified a number of priorities for 2010, including:
- Patient mobility
- Competition and public procurement
- Research and innovation
- Employment policy
- Quality and safety of healthcare
- Environment policy
- Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
- Commercial transactions
See our 2010 policy priorities and the our work pages for more information.
Who we are
The NHS European Office has the following members of staff:
| Elisabetta Zanon |
Director |
| Tracy Cook |
Senior European Policy Manager |
| Sally Elkes |
Senior European Policy Manager
(cover for Jenny-Lee Spencer) |
| Kate Ling |
Senior European Policy Manager |
| Jenny-Lee Spencer |
Senior European Policy Manager
(on maternity leave) |
| Michael Wood |
European Policy Manager
(London based) |
| Chris Lynch |
Office Administrator |
EU Steering Group
The Office is governed by a Steering Group which meets twice a year and is responsible for setting the Office’s agenda and priorities, reviewing progress and helping shape policy positions on key issues.
Members of the Steering Group include representatives from a range of NHS organisations including the SHAs, PCTs, foundation trusts, mental health trusts, and ambulance trusts as well as the Department of Health, the NHS Confederation, and NHS Employers.
Where we are
The European Office is located in Brussels and London.