As a full member of Cancer Patients Europe (an organisation which represents the views of cancer patients and their families in Europe), CSF was invited to attend this event in Brussels. With around 40 others, I attended a very informative and useful three days, with all the costs being covered by CPE.
The visit to the European Parliament led to an enlightening two-hour discussion with MEPs, members of the ‘Health and Food Safety Committee’ (DG Santé). This two-way exchange enabled MEPs to talk of their current projects and listen to the views of members of CPE who outlined their challenges across Europe. The main thrust of their ‘health’ work centres on education to ensure patients (and doctors) know what choices are available and to ensure younger people, in particular, are better informed, the aim being to aid prevention. Needless to say, inequalities across Europe are also at the forefront. Interestingly, some of the smaller countries had better infrastructure than, for example, Finland, with huge distances in difficult terrain.
The conference was on the theme of ‘Equity in Action’ and had interesting speakers from varied backgrounds, including researchers, senior doctors and the project officer from the European Commission on ‘DG Santé’. We were divided into groups and were given a topic to discuss after each of the three sessions. The findings of the groups were then recorded to be collated and presented to the Commission. Major topics were ‘Prevention’, ‘Shared decision making during treatment’ and ‘Patient Involvement in end of life care’.
The most interesting item at the AGM was the Proposed Five Year Strategy. This includes the creation of a ‘Patient Academy’ to enable associations to learn and then share within their own association. CPE’s main aim, of course, is to bring associations together to have one voice across Europe.
Most importantly, I had the opportunity to talk to many people, including the CEO, the Chair and members of the Board of CPE who were very interested to learn more of CSF. CSF is unique as it supports Anglophones (of all nationalities) in a Francophone environment, this means clients and members have the added complication of being ‘immigrants’! A very worthwhile few days with new contacts providing opportunities for the future.
Penny Parkinson
Vice-president
