Brussels, 15 December 2008 – The European Commission (EC) today has adopted a Communication and a proposal for a Council Recommendation on patient safety and the quality of health services, including the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections. The documents are aimed at reducing and preventing patients being harmed in the healthcare setting.
Eucomed, the Medical Technology Industry Association, is pleased to see that the European Commission is taking an overarching approach on this recommendation, rather than looking at specific areas individually. The Association believes that the safety of patient’s, staff and anyone who has cause to enter a healthcare environment is a priority.
One important factor of patient safety is the issue of Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs). "Medical technology has a big role to play in the reduction of Healthcare Associated Infections; many devices are specifically designed to minimise the chances of infection and Member States should therefore be recommended to use the best available technology to help tackle the significant threat of HCAIs", said John Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Eucomed.
Another important factor in the fight against HCAIs is the issue of reprocessing single-use, sterile, medical devices, a practice that reduces the efficacy of the device and compromises the sterility, therefore increasing the risk of HCAIs, and putting patients at risk. It often does not even provide any economic benefits. Eucomed urges the Commission to quickly confirm that this practice is not permitted.
Furthermore, Eucomed welcomes the EC's recommendation that a standard for terminology, data collection, and reporting and referral procedures should be developed, and that the EC sees a greater role for the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control in monitoring patient safety trends at EU level.
Recent studies show that healthcare errors, ranging from healthcare associated infections and misdiagnosis to medication-related or surgical errors, occur in 10% of hospitalisations. It is estimated that two percent of all hospital patients suffer from preventable infections every year and these patients often lack information on the safety levels in their country and on the help available to them. Therefore, the Member States in 2005 established a mechanism to discuss and take forward patient safety issues as a healthcare priority. The EU aims to facilitate and support its Member States in their work and activities with the ultimate goal of improving patient safety throughout Europe.
Eucomed is the Voice of the medical technology industry in Europe. Eucomed represents directly and indirectly 4500 designers, manufacturers and suppliers of medical technology used in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and amelioration of disease and disability. Small and medium sized companies make up more than 80% of this sector. The European medical technology industry invests some EUR 3.8 billion in research and development and employs near to 435,000 highly skilled workers. The mission of Eucomed is to improve patient and clinician access to modern, innovative and reliable medical technology.
Mark Grossien
Director Communications and External Affairs
mark.grossien(at)eucomed(dot)be
+32 (0)2.775.92.24
