CPME President emphasised health workforce preparedness at the Politico Healthcare Summit

Dr Bakke noted that a well-trained and sustainable healthcare workforce is the backbone of health security. He reflected that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing staff shortages and severely strained doctors leading to many developing burnout and leaving the profession altogether.

To uphold safe working conditions which are a crucial precondition for a high level of patient safety, he called for the European Commission to develop safe staffing guidelines as a benchmark for health threat preparedness.

He added that the that training of doctors and other healthcare professionals is essential to prepare for cross-border health threats. They must have knowledge and skills to develop and implement the national preparedness plans, implement activities to strengthen crisis preparedness and surveillance capacities.

Training must be financed for all doctors and other healthcare professionals regardless of their attachment to health authorities (national, regional or local level).  Cross disciplinary training can facilitate the collaboration among various disciplines involved in the implementation of medical countermeasures, ensuring cohesive and coordinated responses to emerging threats.

Training should also address risk communication and public engagement to ensure that doctors and other healthcare professionals can effectively communicate with the public to convey accurate information about medical countermeasures and other non-medical measures.

The panel entitled "Health security: Being prepared" took place as part of the Politico Europe’s annual Healthcare Summit.