Programme 2020

The European hospital and healthcare services are at the forefront of the battle against the outbreak of COVID-19. Considering that all the energies should be focused on dealing with this pandemic, in view of all the evidence and advice received, and having undertaken a risk assessment the HOPE Board of Governors has taken the most appropriate and proportionate decision by postponing to 2021 (for the first time since its creation 40 years ago) its HOPE Exchange Programme and the HOPE Agora closing it.

Healthcare systems are already getting the collateral consequences on the physical and mental health of the European citizens, more pressure will certainly come. HOPE will continue its work of facilitating the circulation of information and good practices on handling COVID-19.

HOPE Exchange Programme postponement

The aim should anyhow be to secure with hosts that the participants who were planned in 2020 would be welcomed in 2021; and that participants authorised to join the programme in 2020 would still be authorised in 2021.

The postponement means:

• The HOPE Exchange 2021 would take place around the same time, with the same topic and the Agora would take place in Brussels.
• The hosts would be kindly asked to confirm that they accept to welcome next year the participants planned for 2020 (if those participants wish so or can)
• The employers of the HOPE Exchange Participants would be kindly asked to accept this postponement.
• All fees paid to HOPE would be reimbursed, unless participants/employer organisations want HOPE to keep them and avoid money going back in forth.

For more general information on the HOPE Exchange programme, please contact the National Co-ordinator of your country.
National co-ordinators