On January 23, CESI took a significant step towards addressing the healthcare workforce crisis in Europe by co-organising a high-level meeting in the European Parliament focused on “Better Working Conditions for Health Care Professionals.” This pivotal gathering laid the groundwork for CESI’s comprehensive manifesto, released in January 2024, which aims to tackle the growing concern of staff shortages and improve healthcare service delivery across Europe through enhanced employment conditions.

The manifesto, developed as a follow-up to the meeting, outlines a series of general recommendations designed to address the root causes of these shortages. These proposals reflect the common trends and challenges faced by healthcare systems across different European countries, acknowledging that the severity and specifics of these challenges vary from one nation to another.

Key strategies highlighted in the manifesto include ensuring competitive compensation for healthcare workers, reducing their work intensity, promoting a better work-life balance, and guaranteeing safe working environments. Furthermore, the document calls for investments in medical education, modern healthcare facilities, and equipment, alongside the implementation of fair patient-staff ratios to optimise healthcare delivery.

By putting forward these recommendations, CESI not only seeks to directly improve the working conditions of healthcare professionals but also aims to create a more sustainable, efficient, and attractive healthcare sector throughout Europe.

Find the full Manifesto here: 2024_CESI_SAN_Manifesto_EN_final