3rd ECHDO MEETING IN BERLIN: A milestone in the development of a strong European congenital heart disease community
PRESS RELEASE10 November 2008 Congenital heart disease organisations across Europe came together for a joint workshop on November 7-8, 2008 in Berlin, hosted by the European Congenital Heart Disease Organisation (ECHDO) and Corience. The meeting served as a milestone in the development of a strong European congenital heart disease community. Parent organisations, self-help groups, doctors, and scientists from over 20 European countries shared information to build a close network that will enable the participants to provide better support for people with congenital heart disease and to press for best practice in treatment and care across Europe. Dr Massimo Chessa from Italy, who talked about what grown up patients should know about their condition, warmly endorsed the approach of the joint workshop. “Patients, parents, doctors and other healthcare professionals need education. The best way to do this is through ECHDO and Corience. By working together we can achieve the best possible outcomes for heart-children and their families.” Drug safety, the legal rights of children and their parents in clinical studies, fundraising and lobbying were also discussed. Corience Co-ordinator, Dr Ulrike Bauer, remarked on the wealth of front-line knowledge shared in all the sessions. She is convinced that the 3rd ECHDO meeting has strengthened the ties between the European organisations and advanced the cause of a European network: “The liveliness and sharp focus of the discussion showed we are actively overcoming isolation and building a strong common lobby.” In agreement, Hermine Nock, the spokeswoman for ECHDO, declared: “There are so many parent and patient organisations in Europe that strive towards the same goal: to improve the medical care for congenital heart disease patients and to promote research. We can achieve so much more in the struggle for European quality standards if all individual countries join forces.” Ends About ECHDO About Corience About Children's Heart Federation Contact information For more information about Corience, please contact |
