Over the 29th and 30th October 2015, Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust acted as host to an international two day event for delegates from all over Europe including: Italy; Spain; Portugal; Belgium; Germany; Latvia and Estonia. The event was held in collaboration with HOPE (European Hospital and Healthcare Federation) and its UK Partner, the NHS European office, which is part of the NHS Confederation. At the ‘European Exchange Study Visit’ held at Darent Valley Hospital, delegates heard from some of the most influential people in healthcare today about how policy and innovation is changing the way that patient care is delivered by the NHS. The event was themed around how to maintain and improve the quality of care delivered to patients across Europe, including ensuring patients receive compassionate care.

Ali Strowman, Deputy Director of Nursing and Co-ordinating Host said: “This is an extremely exciting event and one that we feel privileged to host. In partnership with HOPE and the NHS Confederation we have been able to deliver a programme that includes speakers who help shape today’s healthcare including: Professor Sir Mike Richards, Chief Inspector of Hospitals, Care Quality Commission; Jackie Smith, NMC Chief Executive and Registrar; Jan Sobieraj, Managing Director of the NHS Leadership Academy and Dr Johnny Marshall OBE, Director of Policy, NHS Confederation.”

The European Exchange Study Visit has given us the opportunity to share with our partners in the rest of Europe how healthcare is structured, funded, delivered and regulated in England. We also heard from the leaders of Trusts and CCGs who provided a local perspective on how healthcare is constantly adapting to change in order to continue to deliver the best possible care in the communities they serve.

Elisabetta Zanon, Director, NHS European Office, said: “Our work with Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust and HOPE has helped to showcase the NHS as a model for patient care to Europe. Many of the challenges faced by the NHS are also felt by health systems across Europe. Our work with HOPE is important to facilitate the collaboration between NHS leaders and peers in Europe, sharing insights that can improve care and keep health systems, here and abroad sustainable.”

This two- day event signals a positive collaborative future for NHS Trusts and colleagues from across Europe to work together to address the challenges facing the health sector today.

Brochure

Presentations 29 October

Presentations 30 October