16/11/2016 (Agence Europe) – A new written draft declaration on heart failure is currently doing the rounds of the European Parliament. The text has the backing of 17 MEPs from the EPP, S&D, ECR and GUE/NGL and urges the Commission to draw up a European strategy for developing public awareness, the defence of patient rights and the exchange of good practices in this area. It also calls on the Commission to encourage the member states to adopt national strategies and to support the training of health professionals. So far, the draft declaration has the support of the Heart failure policy network and the Eurocarers organisation and has received the backing of 35 MEPs. It needs 376 signatures before 24 January 2017 to be added to the plenary minutes and to be subsequently sent onto the Council and Commission. (SPj)