A range of issues, including an ageing population, will present challenges for those in healthcare jobs in European Union (EU) in the future.

This is according to a statement from the European Council, which underlines the pressures on the current system that exist from a growing number of major and chronic diseases, changing patient needs, growing levels of mobility, new technologies and scientific progress.

In its conclusions on investing in the region's "health workforce of tomorrow", the body highlighted the need for "innovative approaches" to issues arising and the interdependency in terms of healthcare human resource policies that exists between member states.

EU nations are called upon in the document to increase collaboration and exchange of good practice in this area, in particular with regard to labor force planning, developing attractive working environments and stimulating training and education.

Those seeking healthcare jobs in Europe may also be interested to note the European Council has called for greater action to develop innovative approaches to tackle chronic diseases through national systems.

Posted by Alex Donnell