The congress' contributors

Nicola Bedlington was the first Secretary General of the European Patients’ Forum (2006 to 2019) and continued as Special Advisor until 2023. Nicola was also the founding Director of the European Disability Forum, (1996 to 1999). Prior to this, she worked for the European Commission on disability policy (1991-1996). In between, she led an OECD founded global initiative on education for sustainable development. She set up her consultancy, Millwater Partners in 2020, focused on health, engagement and sustainability. She works with patient organisations, medical societies, and industry on strategy, patient engagement and advocacy. She chairs several advisory boards and is currently working on a five year CEE Patient Engagement Road Map, and is supporting the International Alliance of Patient Organisation in co-creating a Patient Charter on Social Participation and a UHC Compass. Another major focus is Cardiovascular Health and Nicola works closely with FH Europe Foundation, and the Global Heart Hub, both members of EPF.