ERN Board of Member states meeting: consolidation and expansion of the networks
The ERN system is in full expansion and development at this precise moment in time and, with the objective of further accomplishing its mission, it is looking towards the possibility of extending its reach. Indeed, geographical disparities exist due to countries lacking membership in certain networks which then impede patients from having access to the available expertise. In order to address this issue, in its meeting held in Brussels on 26 March 2019, the ERN Board of Member States decided to pursue the consolidation of the ERNs. Member States have been given the possibility to designate “Affiliated partners”. According to the Board they can either be "Associated National Centres" with some degree of clinical expertise or "National Coordination Hubs" which can establish links with several networks at the same time”. It is expected that the capacity of affiliated partners will be strengthened as a result of this process as well as the information exchange with ERN members it entails. It would also be the opportunity to develop a system for patients to have the possibility to register for virtual consultations within the respective fields of competence.
Nonetheless, there might be some difficulties in carrying out such an expansion and the Chair of the ERN Coordinators Group particularly stressed the need to find a balance between the criteria of accessibility and the necessity of ensuring manageability of the networks.