2nd FOHNEU INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS

 Congress Overview
The Federation of Occupational Health Nurses within the European Union (FOHNEU) held its 2nd International Congress in Strasbourg, France, from 18 to 20 October 2000. The Congress was organised in close collaboration with G.I.T. (Groupement des Infirmier(e)s de Santé au Travail), the Association of Occupational Health Nurses of France, and took place at the Palais des Congrès, one of Europe's most historic and welcoming cities. The event was held under the patronage of the French Ministry of Employment and Solidarity.

Congress at a Glance
218 participants took part in the 2nd FOHNEU Congress, gathering occupational health nurses and other occupational health professionals from across Europe and beyond for three days of presentations, debate and networking. In line with FOHNEU's statutory aims, the themes of the Congress were chosen to outline the future risks for health and well-being in the European workforce, and to promote the future role of the occupational health nurse.

Opening Ceremony and Patronage
The Congress opened on 18 October under the patronage of the French Ministry of Employment and Solidarity. Delegates were welcomed by Kirsten Stallknecht, President of the International Council of Nurses (ICN); Jean-François Negri, Vice-President of the Standing Committee of Nurses in the E.U. (P.C.N.); Catherine Dubois-Fresnay, President of the French National Organisation of Registered Nurses (A.N.F.I.I.D.E.); the Mayor of Strasbourg; representatives of the Conseil Régional d'Alsace and the Conseil Général du Bas-Rhin; Prof. Bugoslaw Baranski of the World Health Organisation (WHO); and M. J.D. Leroy of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Main Theme and Topics
The central theme of the Congress was “Europeans: making health and well-being at work a real partnership.” Sessions traced the evolution of work and of nursing practice across the three days, addressing new occupational risks, new working methods, new technology, the bridging of the gap between theory and practice, the application of legislation, multidisciplinary teamwork, new methodological approaches, research, quality assurance, and ethics in occupational health.

Keynote and Invited Speakers
The programme brought together leading voices in occupational health, including Prof. Bengt Knave, President of the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH); Marc Sapir of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC); Véronique Bacle, President of G.I.T., the French association of occupational health nurses; François Cail of the French National Institute for Research and Safety (INRS); Dr Giorgio Aresini of the European Commission (DGV); Prof. Alain Cantineau, who delivered the P. van Dorpe lecture; Dr Peter Westerholm of the National Institute of Occupational Health, Sweden; Tage S. Kristensen of the Danish Institute of Occupational Health; Stuart Whittaker of the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom; and Dr Georges Coppée of the International Labour Office (ILO), among many other invited speakers and chairpersons from across Europe.

Closing Debate Panel and Ceremony
The Congress concluded with a debate panel, ‘The Occupational Health Nurse as a Frontliner in European Occupational Health Services,’ conducted by journalist Marie-France Guérel and bringing together representatives of FOHNEU, the French employers' federation (MEDEF), the European Commission, and occupational health experts from several member states. The closing ceremony was led by FOHNEU President Julie Staun (Denmark).

Social and Cultural Programme
Alongside the scientific programme, delegates enjoyed a warm welcome to Strasbourg, one of Europe's finest historical cities, with a reception at the City Hall, a special concert at Strasbourg Cathedral, a boat tour along the Ill with the possibility of disembarking near the Council of Europe building, and a Gala Dinner at the Pavillon Joséphine.

Programme Booklet

Congress Programme