It is with great sadness that the EFN was informed that John Ryan, former Deputy Director General of DG SANTE, passed away.
John has been always very close to the nurses, liaising with the EFN on many occasions to co-design fit-for-purpose policies as during COVID-19, or within the context of the Coalition for Vaccination and the Coalition to supporting Ukraine (of which the EFN is one of the co-chairs). He would always listen to the nurses’ voice and concerns and was clear on the importance to protect frontline nurses.
Over the years, we learned to know him as a very strong and accessible person, keen to support nurses and the nursing profession at EU level.
On behalf of all EFN members, it is rightly to say that this is a huge loss for all of us! We will remember him as the great and very inspiring man he was, who contributed so much to advance health policy at EU level.
Our sincere condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues in DG Sante.