In light of the anti-austerity strikes taking place in Portugal and Spain, the EFN would like to highlight the importance of protecting the healthcare sector from further cuts and subsequent threats to the health workforce and patients. The EFN recognises the detrimental effect that the financial crisis has had on European economies but in times of cuts it is imperative that healthcare budgets are preserved so standards of care and patient safety are not put at risk. High quality healthcare is key to the safety and well-being of EU citizens and, especially in times of crisis, measures must be taken to ensure that nurses and other health professionals are properly equipped to deliver it. The EFN offers its full support to all nurses across Europe as they face these difficult times and would like to urge the EU and its Member States to protect the healthcare sector from further austerity measures.
