Luxembourg' Ministry of Health and Social Security has confirmed details of the latest visit of the new Minister, Martine Deprez, to meet hospital establishments in Luxembourg; since her appointment in November 2023, the minister has considered it one of her main priorities to establish a constructive dialogue with stakeholders in the health sector.
As part of this approach, Minister Deprez is undertaking a series of visits to specialised hospital establishments in Luxembourg and the thermal treatment centre; according to the ministry, these meetings will allow the minister to familiarise herself with the realities on the ground and discuss current issues in the hospital sector.
Minister Deprez stated: "I am determined to work hand in hand with health professionals and hospital establishments to guarantee quality care to all Luxembourg citizens. These visits allow me to better understand the needs and challenges they face, in order to make informed decisions to improve our health system".
Coalition agreement
The hospital and digitalisation aspect of the coalition agreement is a valuable opportunity to engage in constructive discussions with key players in the hospital sector, according to Minister Deprez. Together, they carefully examine the key points of the coalition agreement and evaluate potential measures to strengthen hospitals, improve infrastructure and medical-technical equipment, while taking into account the patient's freedom of choice. This approach will make it possible to make informed decisions and consider legislative adjustments to meet the needs identified during these constructive discussions.
During these visits, digitalisation was also a topic of discussion. Minister Deprez and stakeholders in the sector discussed digitalisation in the field of health, and the minister stressed that, in accordance with the guidelines of the coalition agreement, it will be important to find adequate solutions to improve the exchange of structured data between the different players in patient care. The importance of standardising data formats aimed at facilitating the interoperability of technical solutions and the optimisation of the digital medical record was thus discussed. The simplification of administrative procedures in this area, in particular the introduction of electronic medical prescriptions, and the harmonisation of IT systems in the health sector will be subjects to be addressed quickly.
Schedule of ministerial visits
19 February: Luxembourg Hospital Centre (CHL) - Luxembourg City
20 February: Robert Schuman Hospitals (HRS) - Luxembourg-Kirchberg; Rehazentre - Luxembourg-Kirchberg
22 February: National Institute of Cardiac Surgery and Interventional Cardiology (INCCI) - Luxembourg City; Émile Mayrisch Hospital Centre (CHEM) - Esch-sur-Alzette; François Baclesse Centre - Esch-sur-Alzette
23 February: Neuro-psychiatric hospital centre (CHNP) - Ettelbruck; Northern Hospital Centre (CHdN) - Ettelbruck
1 March: Mondorf thermal area - Mondorf-les-Bains
8 March: Steinfort Intermunicipal Hospital (HIS) – Steinfort
Other visits to the hospital sector are being planned and will be announced at a later date