HOSPEEM Secretary General participates in the panel on Freedom to Stay

HOSPEEM Secretary General Sylvie Slangen participated in the SGI Europe “Freedom to Stay” event on 23 June, which brought together EU institutions, social partners, and stakeholders to discuss how Services of General Interest can support territorial cohesion, resilience, and citizens’ access to essential services across Europe. During the panel on investment and governance, she highlighted three key priorities for the healthcare sector.

First, healthcare systems must remain adaptable to changing demographic realities, evolving care needs, and workforce pressures through integrated and patient-centred models of care. Second, workforce sustainability has become the key limiting factor for healthcare system performance, making recruitment, retention, skills development, and realistic workforce planning essential. Third, stronger place-based governance and coherent EU support are needed to reflect local realities and ensure sustainable healthcare delivery across territories.

Sylvie Slangen also stressed that healthcare funding should be recognised as a strategic investment in social cohesion, preparedness, and territorial resilience.

Earlier in June, HOSPEEM contributed to the call for evidence on the Right to Stay in June 2026.