Press release: NHS Confederation opens new NHS European Union Unit
17 Sep 2007
The NHS Confederation, which represents over 95 per cent of NHS organisations, is today (17 September) announcing the opening of the new NHS European Union unit.
Based in both Brussels and London, the unit, which will be part of the NHS Confederation and funded by the strategic health authorities, will develop links with the EU institutions to encourage high quality regulation and inform the health service of the latest European policy developments. In addition to influencing EU policies in the interest of the NHS, it will also provide guidance to the service on the implementation of EU law.
As a shared NHS resource, the EU unit is steered by an independent group of NHS organisations, including the ten SHAs. The unit is funded by the SHAs demonstrating their support and commitment to increasing the influence of the NHS in Brussels.
The new unit will be led by Elisabetta Zanon, formerly deputy head of London's European Office. Elisabetta has extensive experience working in European affairs through her previous roles at London's European Office, Eurocities and the European Centre for Restructuring and Development.
Gill Morgan, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said:
"The NHS Confederation is delighted to have been asked to establish the new NHS EU unit as part of the Confederation and applauds the vision and commitment of the SHAs.
"As the largest employer in Europe, it is vital that the NHS is heard at EU level. Moreover, by monitoring and influencing key EU policy and legislation, we can better understand the implications of EU developments for our members, with a view to improving patient care.
"I am delighted to welcome Elisabetta as the NHS EU unit's director. She has a proven track record in influencing EU institutions and she will bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to this exciting new role."
Elisabetta Zanon, director of the new NHS EU unit, said:
"EU policy and legislative developments have a substantial impact on the NHS. Recent European Court rulings have clarified how EU Internal Market rules apply to health services, which will have wide-reaching implications for the NHS.
"In addition, with specific EU health service legislation announced before the end of the year, it is extremely important that the NHS is positioned at the heart of these developments."
Notes for editors
1. For a photograph of Elisabetta Zanon, please contact Niall Smith on 020 7074 3304 or niall.smith@nhsconfed.org.
2. The NHS Confederation represents more than 95% of the organisations that make up the NHS. Its members include the majority of NHS acute trusts, ambulance trusts, foundation trusts, mental health trusts, primary care trusts, special health authorities and strategic health authorities in England; trusts and local health boards in Wales; and health and social service trusts and boards in Northern Ireland.
Contact details
Contact Niall Smith 020 7074 3304 or 077 6777 0309 or Ruth Kennedy 020 7074 3312 or 078 8447 3086. For out of hours media enquiries, please call the Duty Press Officer on 07880 500726.
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