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Assembly of European Regions

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You are here: Home / Archives for Public health

This is the sub-category for all policy news relating to public health.

AER discusses Digitalisation and Health with European Commissioners

4 April, 2019 By Erica Lee

On 20 March, AER had not one but two meetings at the Berlaymont, the European Commission headquarters, in Brussels.

Meeting Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, Mariya Gabriel

On Wednesday morning, President Magnus Berntsson met with Commissioner Gabriel to discuss the Digital Europe programme for 2021-2022. Accompanied by Martin Svensson and Anders Karlberg from AER member region Västra Götaland the conversation flowed naturally to the topic of Digital Innovation Hubs – a subject where Västra Götaland has a wealth of expertise.

Digitalisation is a topic of priority for AER members and their political work in 2018/19. By engaging with the Commission and discussing together the issues that matter to regions, we are optimistic to find space for cooperation between European and local levels of policy-making and communication about our work.

At the upcoming Bureau meeting in Larnaca, AER will organise a debate on digitalisation and regional development. An invitation has been extended to the Cabinet of the Commissioner to join our debate and share with AER members the work it is doing to maximise the benefits of the digital transformation, in particular the support provided to regional authorities as they undergo this transition.

Meeting Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Vytenis Andriukaitis

On Wednesday afternoon, the AER President, accompanied by two member regions, Timiş, Romania and Örebro, Sweden, met with Commissioner Andriukaitis to discuss the future of health policies and its implementation at regional level.

As President of AER Committee on Social Policy and Public Health, Mihai Ritivoiu shared information about the work of AER and the ongoing projects we have on the topic of healthcare. Irén Lejegren, County Commissioner from Örebro County in Sweden subsequently updated the Commissioner and his staff about the work done by AER in the area of food security.

Similar threads were discovered in this meeting as that which took place in the morning with regard to the need for cooperation among actors such as the European Commission and local and regional authorities. AER intends to follow-up closely on this topic with the new European College of Commissioners in the autumn.

On the topic of the European elections, AER also had the opportunity to present Commissioner Andriukaitis with a copy of its manifesto for the European elections.

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AER Spring Committee Plenaries

17 December, 2018 By Johanna Pacevicius

The spring plenaries of the three AER committees took place in Örebro (Sweden) from 26 till 28 March 2019.

Work programmes

During the statutory plenary meetings of the Committee on Economy & Regional Development, the Committee on Social Policy and Public Health and the Committee on Culture, Education and Youth, AER members developped jointly the Committees’ 2019-2020 work programmes. Only one rules apply for this exercise: everything is possible!

Thematic activities

The seminar and on site thematic activities revolved around food, innovation and health.

The seminar ‘Food for thought Action!’ A regional approach to innovating food systems, was an opportunity for regions to share how they innovate food systems to achieve:
-nutrition for healthy and sustainable diets
-climate and environmental sustainability
-circularity and resource efficiency
-innovation and empowering communities.

A Breakfast Debate on youth entrepreneurship was organised

The following workshops took place:

  • Energy and Climate Change: the SDGs as a policy framework
  • Transports & Mobility: Open Data & Blockchain
  • The AMID workshop on multilevel cooperation for migration policies
  • Available opportunities for AER members in current projects

Presentations

Joint plenary 26 March

-Presentation video of Örebro

–The SDGs at regional level, Ida Texell Member of the Swedish delegation Agenda 2030

–Update on the AER strategy on projects: Luca Magri, AER Coordinator for Finance of EU projects

–Update on AER Bureau & advocacy: Vania Freitas, AER Coordinator for Institutional Relations

–Presentation video of the 2019 Summer Academy in Vojvodina

Seminar ‘Food for thought Action!’ A regional approach to innovating food systems

–Sensory research within the field of Gastronomy – a multisensory perspective in order to promote healthy eating, Åsa Öström, Örebro (SE)

–Nutrition & mental health Robert Jan Brummer, Örebro (SE)

–Olimpia Neagoe, County Councillor of Dolj (RO), Chair of the AER Working Group on Rural Development

–Peter Medved, Eastern Slovenia (SI), Secretary of the Development Council of Cohesion

–Circularity in household waste and biogas production, Erik Lagethon, Oppland (NO), Adviser Regional Development production

–Thomas Norrby, European Network for Rural Development (ENRD), Sustainable and circular food value chains, value in rural regions & inclusive territorial development

Committee plenaries

–Committee 1 plenary meeting

–Committee 2 plenary meeting

–Committee 3 plenary meeting

Workshop of the Working group on Energy and climate

–The SDGs – involvement in all political areas, Helena Lindemark, Founder and Vice President of 2022 Initiative Foundation

–The SDGs – the political vision at regional level, Mats Gunnarsson, Regional Opposition Councillor

–Ambitious Climate Goals & the implementation of the SDGs, Therese Hjelseth, Area manager Energy & Climate, Örebro (SE)

Workshop of the Working group Mobility & transports

–Open data in public transport: Carin Carelind, Head of IT, Östgötatrafiken, Sweden

–Blockchain in logistics: Robert Högberg, Project Manager SmartLog, Region Örebro County, Sweden

–Challenges ahead for regional airports: Roger Estefors, AER expert on regional airports

–2018 Report on regional airports, Roger Estefors, AER expert on regional airports

AMID workshop on multilevel cooperation for migration policies

–The Partnership for Social Innovation in Örebro County

Workshop on available opportunities for AER members in current projects

–Scirocco Exchange project on integrated care systems

Topics & Context

Find all articles regarding the background and content of events as well as progress reports and information on elections here:

-Spring Plenaries Background & content

Other information

Detailed Programme

Working documents

FINAL IMPORTANT INFO EMAIL TO PARTICIPANTS

PRACTICAL INFO 
GDPR Compliance
Please note that photography and video recording may take place during this event. If you do not wish your image to be recorded, please contact the AER secretariat.
Please also note that a list of participants will be published on this website in due course. Only the names and organisations of the individuals will be listed. No contact details will be made public. For any queries, please contact e.lee(at)aer.eu.

 

A European Folk Festival

A European Folk Festival

Varaždin County is organising an international folk festival on 25-29 June 2020. This event will feature 10 ensembles from 10 ...
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Integrated care systems: a practical approach

Integrated care systems: a practical approach

To innovate healthcare and improve the patient’s journey, more integrated care systems are essential. A range of opportunities is available ...
Read More
The Committees' 2019-2020 work programme is out!

The Committees’ 2019-2020 work programme is out!

On the occasion of the Committees’ plenaries in Örebro, AER members identified the topics which matter most for them and ...
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Food in Focus at Spring Plenaries in Örebro

Food in Focus at Spring Plenaries in Örebro

The AER Spring Committee Plenaries, which took place from 26-28 March 2019 in Örebro County, Sweden, revolved around food, innovation ...
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Elections results for the AER Spring Committee Plenaries

Elections results for the AER Spring Committee Plenaries

The elections took place at the AER Spring Committee Plenaries in Örebro on the 26th and 27th of March. Each ...
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Candidates for AER Committees' elections

Candidates for AER Committees’ elections

The AER Election Committee has been screening applications for open positions within the Committees. The elections will take place at ...
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Committee 1 Progress Report Spring 2019

Committee 1 Progress Report Spring 2019

Twice a year the members of the AER Committee on Regional Development and Economy gather in plenary meeting. This is ...
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Committee 2 Progress Report Spring 2019

Committee 2 Progress Report Spring 2019

Twice a year the members of the AER Committee on Social Policy and Public Health gather in plenary meeting. This ...
Read More
Committee 3 Progress Report Spring 2019

Committee 3 Progress Report Spring 2019

Twice a year the members of the AER Committee on Culture, Education and Youth gather in plenary meeting. This is ...
Read More
Innovating food systems: what are regions doing?

Innovating food systems: what are regions doing?

Policymakers from all over wider Europe will gather at the 2019 Spring Committee Plenaries in Örebro (SE), where AER is ...
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AER E-health journey

30 August, 2017 By Editor

With its many years working on e-health and social innovation technologies, AER is recognised as leader in the field. Today, let’s go a few years back and look at everything AER has achieved from the creation of its E-health network in 2006 to its longstanding cooperation with ALEC.

E-health political breakthroughs

E-health can be defined as a set of IT tools used to meet the needs of citizens and patients as well as healthcare professionals, service providers, local authorities and national governments in the field of health.

It is of great political interest as it represents an innovative way to deliver health services, in particular in remote rural areas and to people with mobility difficulties. E-health is seen as an alternative in order to release scarce labour and infrastructure resources. Nowadays, 80% of financing in the health sector is assigned to human resources with around 75% coming directly from public funding. According to the European Commission, 17,5 million people are employed as administrative staff in the medical field, representing 9,3% workers in Europe. In that sense, e-health is determinant to optimise health administration and increase productivity in the sector.

Moreover, E-health is an essential tool for the modernisation of health services in Europe. This, in light of ever-decreasing health budgets and the increasing demands on health systems resulting from demographic changes. Innovation in the health system will with no doubt improve the exchange of information and good practice among healthcare actors and raise awareness on health widely! E-health services are particularly compelling to its usage in preventive health care as well as distance mental health treatments. Thanks to all the above, e-health is a major instrument in improving the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services for patients.

Regarding economics and businesses, e-health is a sector with a significant growth potential: touching up-and-coming areas such as technologies, engineering and innovation. Besides, ICT research and development can effectively contribute to regional and EU economic growth.

E-health Network, a life story

AER E-health network was created in 2006. Its meaning was first to identify priority political areas in e-health and to develop joint cooperation projects for regions. The exchange of experience and good practice between regions is also a clear focus for the group.

Therefore, the aim of the network is to create a platform where regions can engage in interregional cooperation projects to develop e-health tools and where they can contribute to European policies on e-health. It brings together member regions interested in developing policies in this field, but also external organisations who focus on the development of e-health technologies. The network is fully open to AER member regions that are either already active in e-health or want to develop e-health policies and tools.

Focus areas include: e-diagnosis, research for available e-health resources, record keeping systems, distance planning, active and independent living for the elderly, mental health and e-health as a planning tool  for health and social systems.

The network especially works on:

  • Raising awareness and disseminating knowledge on the potential of e-health
  • Gathering information on existing tools, funding and policies and carry out studies
  • Together with other regions and partners in coordinating our e-health tools and strategies
  • Stimulating the development of products and services for the commercial market
  • Encouraging research and education in the e-health sector

It organises thematic meetings and several conferences a year to make sure regions fully benefit from other’s experience and good practice to learn everything there is to know about e-health and improve regional systems.

First round for the E-health network

From 2006, the network organised several seminars to exchange experience and start discussing potential interregional cooperation projects. Later that year, the ‘E-health: around the clock care for everyone, everywhere‘ conference was launched in Norbotten. It was the occasion to sharpen key fields of action, choosing to especially discuss e-health as a tool for service delivery, sharing patient information, prevention and dissemination of information. The harmonisation of regional systems and infrastructures as well as creating partnerships with other sectors were also a fundamental feature of the conference.

Following the conference, the network made it its priority to improve the delivery of health services, modernise these services in order to make them financially sustainable and improve access to health services, in particular in rural or remote areas.

In 2007, during a seminar held in Brussels region made their first proposals for e-health cooperation project. AER also actively participated in ‘The World of IT Health’ Conference, in Vienna to exchange observations on interoperable health systems as well as the legal and regulatory framework for e-health in Europe.

2008 was under the sign of promoting cross-border cooperation in e-health and facilitating exchange of e-health professionals. With the hit of the financial crisis, the group profoundly discussed european developments and funding opportunities. New focus subjects were brought to the table such as medical data privacy & protection as well as chronic disease management.

Building a strong link with e-health businesses

AER plays an active part in bringing together SMEs active in ehealth, regional authorities and the end users (patients’, youth and seniors’ associations). The aim is to bring all actors in the ehealth chain together to identify the future priorities in ehealth and to create synergies between them for the development and implementation of the necessary tools and policies.

Different approaches were tested to create a discussion forum for eHealth end users, buyers and developers. Finally a slack channel was successfully developed where all members are free to join. AER also help in facilitating the creation of a regional SMEs network on ehealth across Europe while encouraging the creation of strong trans-border partnerships between businesses involved in the health services.

A multi-stakeholder approach in need of clear leadership

In that sense, AER has always promoted a multi-stakeholder approach to develop innovation in the health sector, involving healthcare professionals, patients, end-users, businesses and industry. The network strongly encourages the exchange of knowledge and experience between all actors as well as e-awareness. This perspective was reinforced from 2010, with AER collaboration with EHTEL to stimulate crossborder cooperation in e-health.

From there, the e-health network recognized that e-health was not only a matter of technology and technics but lacks a clear leadership in the field. Since then, it has hardly worked to highlight the valuable role of regions in maintaining their citizens health. AER worked close with ETHEL in order to develop a programme to train regional representatives to the high stakes of e-health. AER’s strategy was to build capacity and leadership by following the “Learning by doing” principle and develop interregional cooperation projects through the INTERREG agenda. That way building relations to voice the regions’ demands. Such a project is still under development, identifying challenges, targeting sustainable investments and working to change mentalities.

 

AER representing member regions interest through the European Commission

AER launched several partnerships with the European Commission. Together, they organised several events, along with the support of the committee of regions.

One of the most significant collaboration involves the AHAIP initiatives in 2011, the “Active and Healthy Ageing Innovation Partnership“. The programme results in a pilot action designed to improve patients’ health and quality of life and the health administration’s efficiency, as well as supporting the elderly by granting them better quality services. The aim is to bring together actors at all levels and sectors to mobilise available resources and expertise. Once again, it encourages variety of stakeholders to work together while stimulating innovation and capacity. AER wants to make Europe a global leader in e-health, that according to her should be sustainable, an integral part of regional planning process and a priority among regional politicians.

Invited by the European Commission, the AER E-health network organised a workshop to showcase regional expertise in the e-health field. This event took place in the framework of the e-health week in Budapest, a major conference that gathered politicians, health administrators, researchers and industries in order to discuss future priorities for e-health. The forum’s participants emphasised the major role played by regions in the deployment of personal e-health solutions by highlighting the progress achieved for chronic pathologies such as diabetes, cardio-vascular and obstructive pulmonary diseases. The aim of this session was to identify the steps that need to be taken to link the various regional initiatives across Europe today and achieve the AER e- [email protected] network’s vision: dropping the ‘e’ from ‘e-health’, plus,  what needs to be done to achieve Europe-wide deployment of e-health.

Longstanding partnership – ALEC

Since 2010, AER developed strong links with the Artic Light E-health Conference. ALEC is a captivating event uniting digital health professionals from across the globe meet in the arctic region of Norrbotten for two days of inspiration, networking and skill development. The event is hosted by the President of AER Committee 2, Ms Agneta Granström who is also the Chair of the AER e-health network.

Each year AER members are invited to participate in a great panel of events on e-health, including study visits. ALEC enables all stakeholders discuss digital’s potential to bridge health gaps, and develop tools to design better health for all. Past conferences have included key aspects of e-health sought to address both the technical and organisational aspects affecting the patient’s experience. Participants discuss sustainable e-health (social, environmental & economical),independent living and prevention. Together they exchange on european perspectives, best practices, cross border services and identify challenges.

Last year the 5th Arctic Light e-Health Conference  was held in Sweden.

Speeding up actions

From 2016, AER became a true leader in E-health good practice event, multiplying opportunities for its regions.

AER members met with Representatives from the industry, academy and institution will meet up in Budapest (HU)  for the international 360° Summit on eHealth. Together they discussed quality healthcare provisioning in Europe, a major issue for the EU healthcare systems. In deed, the population growth and the increasing number of chronic patients is creating a strong budgetary pressure on governments. AER provided concrete actions to face this challenge within its Committees, favouring a dialogue among health, innovation, enterprises and social policies.

Besides, AER actively joined in “E-health: let’s find a common language” event hosted by Brussels Capital at the Committee of the Regions. The event aimed at providing participants with information on funding opportunities in the field of healthcare,  new connections, tested ideas to improve communication between stakeholders, inspiration and mutual understanding. AER wants to show increase collaboration and improve communication among stakeholders, beginning at the regional level.  This event successfully managed to bring together companies and organisations working on e-health via group discussions, enhancing the participation and the exchange of ideas.

Finally AER participated in a session organised by ECHAlliance on a new “Coalition of the Willing” at the 2016 e-health week. This digital health journey across Europe aims at speeding up the deployment of e-health in regions. Agneta Granström presented the issues faced by europeans regions. When it comes to using e-health to build a new, sustainable and patient-centered health system, which supports health innovation, leadership is key. Ms. Granström emphasized the need for change management, change leadership and an increased focus on improving digital literacy among leaders.

+ Related articles

Photo by jesse orrico on Unsplash

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Workshop on youth mental health: get involved!

23 August, 2017 By Editor

On the occasion of this year Autumn Plenaries in Nancy (FR), AER is organising a workshop on youth mental health. All regions can take this excellent opportunity to define a new project, closer to their citizens!

AER takes action

As members from very diverse regions across wider Europe identified Youth mental health as one of the growing and most urgent issues all over Europe at the 2016 Autumn Plenaries in Izmir, AER decided to take action! This year, AER doubled its efforts to foster cooperation and improve regional policies in the field. Mutual learning and practice exchange proved to be a great catalyst for policy design and implementation. At the Spring Plenaries in London, members decided to develop an online working group in Slack on Youth mental health

Led by Catalonia and Norrbotten, this new working group aims not only at enhancing experience sharing between regions. Its objective is also to define an innovative joint European project in the field. To this end a first operational meeting took place at the General Assembly in Austria. It focussed on sharing opportunities and expertise on mental health and mainly discussed finances and EU project funding. A successful first brainstorming activity that leads the way to finding the perfect common project for AER members.

September Workshop: where things happen!

The workshop in Nancy will allow to further develop the project and define outputs which add value for regional stakeholders. The idea is to have a ready-to-go proposal once calls for projects are launched. A first milestone would be the submission of an Erasmus+ project for good practice sharing to be finalised by February 2018.

This AER project proposal aims to tackle youth mental health concerns in a practical way which adds value for citizens. Working closer to citizens is a longstanding priority for AER. As always, AER focusses on bringing added value for all its members, especially involving all regional stakeholders. It is still possible to join this project consortium: all regions are welcome to contribute!

 

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

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Seminar on integrated care systems

22 October, 2014 By Johanna Pacevicius

During the seminar we aimed to explore the topics of independence and inclusion specifically. The event was an opportunity to attain significant information on the implementation of Ehealth practices, share experiences with peers and engage regions for political action at European level. Many regions are already implementing innovative policies to encourage the growth of the silver economy and build inclusive societies. Interregional cooperation and mutual learning approaches are therefore key to fast track age-friendly innovation in Europe.

This seminar was organised in the context of the SmartCare project for the deployment of integrated care systems in regions.

Documents and presentations:

Detailed programme

Brochure and conclusions

Soo Hun, programme manager NHS Northern Ireland, Pilot region
currently deploying integrated care systems

Maria del Pilar Lopez, Murcia (ES), Member of the SmartCare Committed
Regions Board preparing for future deployment of integrated care systems

Gwen Mooney (IRL), Service Manager, Older People Services, HSE West,
Ireland

Manuel Escolano Puig, Vice Minister of Personal Autonomy and
Dependence Valencia (ES)

Medzait Ljatifi, County Councillor, Nordjylland (DK) on the regional
strategy for integrated care and inclusion.

Denise Curran (IRL), Service Manager for the Donegal HSE Physical and
Sensory Disability Services (speech here)

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