28/02/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 28 February, the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Vytenis Andriukaitis, announced that the European Reference Networks (ERN), which bring together almost all diagnostic specialists and experts involved in the treatment of complex and rare diseases, would begin their work on 1 March. These networks were set up as part of the directive on patient rights in the healthcare domain (2011/24/EU). During a conference at the University of Leuven (Belgium), the Commissioner pointed out that, “These Networks will connect the considerable EU knowledge and expertise that is currently scattered between countries”. In total, 24 thematic ERNs, gathering over 900 highly specialised healthcare units from 26 countries, will begin working together on a wide range of issues, from bone disorders to haematological diseases, from paediatric cancer to immunodeficiency. (JK)