With Carina Hilders (UMC Utrecht) as opening guest and Lieke Schepers (Randstad Professionals) at the base of new trade fair
Utrecht, April 8, 2024- This morning Carina Hilders, chairman of the board of directors of UMC Utrecht, opened Zorg & '25 in Royal Jaarbeurs. Under the theme 'Fit for the future', more than ten thousand visitors/healthcare professionals are gathering in Jaarbeurs these days to gain knowledge and inspiration at the largest 'health tech event' in the Netherlands. Zorg & '25 is the umbrella title of the brand new Zorg & hr trade show and the leading Zorg & ict trade show. Zorg & hr is a collaboration between Jaarbeurs and founding partner Randstad and focuses on the technical possibilities to effectively address the staffing challenges in healthcare. Lieke Schepers, general manager Randstad Professional: "At Randstad, we believe that progress happens when the right people and expertise come together. I am proud that we are contributing to Zorg & hr as a founding partner, helping to future-proof healthcare." Zorg & '25 will take place through Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Royal Jaarbeurs.
Future-proof care
The festive opening of Zorg & '25 was performed by Carina Hilders, chairman of the board of directors of UMC Utrecht. Afterwards, Hilders was the first speaker on the 'tech mainstage' with a keynote on future-proof healthcare: "The healthcare sector is facing enormous challenges. By putting the human touch center stage and embracing innovative technologies, we can improve the quality of care while controlling costs. At the Care & '25 trade show today, we see the future of healthcare, where technology and humanity go hand in hand to provide the best possible care."
Leading keynote speakers and directors
Besides Hilders, prominent speakers and directors such as Marcel Levi (director NWO), Bianca Buurman (chairman V&VN and Professor of acute elderly care), Bianca Rouwenhorst (director In-for-ma-tie-management and CIO - Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport), Ruth Peetoom (chairman of the Dutch ggz) and prof. dr. Anne Marie Weggelaar (special professor Innovation and Transformation in Healthcare TU/e), their knowledge and vision on current themes during Zorg & '25.
Jeroen van Hooff, CEO Royal Jaarbeurs: "The substantive program of Zorg & '25 with more than 250 knowledge sessions underlines the crucial importance and necessity of this fair. It is a unique opportunity for tens of thousands of healthcare professionals to discover the latest trends and developments that contribute to a future-proof healthcare sector. Together with our exhibitors and speakers, we create a platform where knowledge and innovation come together to shape tomorrow's care."
Scoop: Care & hr to address workforce challenges in healthcare
The workforce shortage in healthcare is severe. According to the Social and Economic Council (SER), one in seven people working in healthcare now works in healthcare; by 2040 it is estimated to be one in four. The challenge to also meet the demand for care in 2040 is enormous and drastic measures are unavoidable. Lieke Schepers, managing director Randstad Professional: "We believe that progress is created when the right people and expertise come together. This is how we help our relations to take steps in the rapidly changing world of healthcare. I am enormously proud that Randstad is contributing as a founding partner to the creation of Zorg & hr in order to make that connection and to contribute to ensuring that healthcare remains accessible to everyone, also in the future.
Presentation of the National Care Innovation Award
On Wednesday, April 9, during Zorg & ict, Zorginnovatie.nl will present the tenth edition of the Nationale Zorginnovatieprijs; the award for the most innovative company in the scale-up phase. Zorginnovatie.nl aims to accelerate technological innovations in care and welfare. Companies that have already worked out, tested and launched their innovation can often use a push to really make their venture a success. The professional jury award and audience award will be announced by Prince Constantijn van Oranje
Care & '25 will take place from Tuesday, April 8 through Thursday, April 10, at Royal Jaarbeurs.
