EU Legislation, Initiatives, etc.

EU News: More than 90% of European hospitals are connected to broadband, 80% have electronic patient record systems, but only 4% of hospitals grant patients online access to their electronic records, according to the results of a survey conducted for the European Commission.
 
The survey provides useful data for the work of the EU eHealth Task Force on assessing the role of information & communications technologies (ICT) in health & social care, which is due to suggest ways for ICT to speed up innovation in healthcare to the benefit of patients, carers and the healthcare sector.
Press release & links
 
EU News: Neelie Kroes, Vice President of the European Commission for the Digital Agenda, has welcomed the adoption of the European Parliament's position at first reading on the proposal for a Decision establishing a Radio Spectrum Policy Programme (RSPP).
 
The Commission's proposal to establish a 5-year policy programme would promote efficient radio spectrum management and, in particular, ensure that sufficient spectrum is made available by 2013 for wireless broadband (which would significantly contribute bringing fast broadband connections to people in remote areas and to make innovative services available across Europe).
Press release & links
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