The EU has produced new rules on medical devices to enhance patient safety and modernise public health. There are over 500,000 types of medical devices and in-vitro diagnostic medical devices on the EU market. Examples of medical devices are contact lenses, x-ray machines, pacemakers, breast implants and hip replacements and sticking plasters. In vitro diagnostic […]
EU rules on medical devices Read More »
About half of all mental health problems in adulthood have their onset during or before adolescence. Improving resilience to mental illness among young people is very important, as poor mental health in adolescence is linked to unemployment, crime, increased rates of smoking, drug use, obesity and future mental ill health. Support and early interventions designed
Feeling low in adolescence Read More »
The European Commission has produced two new guides about blood management: Building national programmes of patient blood management (PBM) in the EU – a guide for health authorities Supporting patient blood management (PBM) in the EU – a practical implementation guide for hospitals To download these guides on patient blood management from the ec.europa.eu website
Across the world, more than 3,000 adolescents die every day from largely preventable causes according to a report from the World Health Organisation. Road traffic injuries, lower respiratory infections, and suicide are the biggest causes of death among adolescents and most of these could be prevented with good health services, education and social support. However,
Over 1.2 million adolescents die every year, nearly all preventable Read More »
There have been no HIV or Hepatitis infections from blood transfusions in the last 10 years in Italy. More than three million transfusions of blood components were made in 2015, with 1709 positive cases of HIV or Hepatitis detected in 1691 donors, who were therefore disqualified from giving blood. This screening system ensures the safety
Safe blood transfusions in Italy Read More »
In 1972, Finland had the highest rate of coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality in the world, and the region of North Karelia in eastern Finland had the highest rate in the country. To address this issue, the region initiated what is known as the North Karelia Project, a far-reaching, community-based intervention that aims to reduce
Noncommunicable diseases – 45 successful years in Finland Read More »
Some 50 million Europeans live with multi-morbidity and their numbers are likely to grow. As they have complex health problems and need ongoing care, policymakers are alarmed by the challenge this poses to their health systems and social services. The ICARE4EU project has looked at new approaches to integrated care and its findings are shared
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Around 1.25 million people die every year on the world’s roads. Studies indicate that: almost half of all drivers exceed the speed limit drivers who are male, young and under the influence of alcohol are more likely to be involved in speed-related crashes road traffic accidents (RTAs) are the number one cause of death among
Controlling speeding drivers Read More »
Since 1992 when the Maastricht Treaty specifically stated that ‘The community shall contribute towards ensuring a high level of human health protection’ the EU has been protecting our health. It has helped national governments to make healthcare more accessible and efficient, provided scientific advice and data, financed local and cross-border health projects and promoted investments
25 Years of Protecting our Health Read More »
Since 2001, EU rules have required the medicines we buy in the EU to contain a package leaflet which should provide us – the user, with clear information on the medicines we are taking – including the name of the product and the manufacturer, therapeutic indications, dosage, shelf life and adverse reactions. The Commission has
Medicine packaging Read More »
