Children's Hospital joined the European reference networks
After 9 months of preparation and evaluation process CCUH approved as a health care provider in two of the European reference networks: Rare Eye Diseases and Paediatric Cancer (haemato-oncology).
The aim of European reference networks is the cooperation and exchange of experience in the treatment of rare diseases. About 60 European clinics is going to cooperate with each other in this network. Cooperation is planned in the areas of treatment and research. Mutual cooperation of highly qualified medical institutions of different countries can help to improve the tactics of treatment of rare diseases, as well as to increase the patients' quality of life.
"We are very pleased with the positive assessment. To obtain it, we carried out an internal audit, improved and introduced many of the processes of treatment, patient care, organization of processes, information systems and other fields. Overall, it was necessary to demonstrate compliance with 70 criteria, when the commission came to audit Children`s hospital, as well as remotely. However, the greatest benefit is a partnership, in which our staff will be able to consult with clinics in Europe, the most experienced in the treatment of rare eye and haemato-oncological diseases, as well as the benefits for patients, for whom medical competence is very important, especially in cases of rare diseases" explains Zane Straume, a member of the board of CCUH.
Experts of European reference networks evaluated the Children's Hospital in 9 areas:
The care, centering on patients and their parents;
The organization, management and continuous improvement of processes;
Education, research and training;
The management of information systems and e-medicine;
The quality and safety;
The competence, experience and performance results;
Human resources;
The organization of patient care;
Infrastructure and equipment.
Experts devoted much attention to a teamwork - the presence of multidisciplinary teams, the effectiveness, clinical audits, the functioning of the patient safety system, as well as doctors / nurses competence - the practical skills and abilities.
There are from 5,000 to 8,000 of rare eye diseases in the world. About 75% of them in children, of which about 30% die before they reach 5 years. 65% of rare diseases are described as very severe and chronic illnesses, while 80% of rare diseases have a genetic origin. Other rare diseases (about 20%) are rare types of malignant tumors, autoimmune diseases, congenital malformations, toxic and infectious diseases.
European reference networks are formed in accordance with the requirements of Directive 2011/24 / EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 "On the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare", the formation process of the network was initiated in March 2016.
