25 years of building healthcare

Project manager Patty Ros

Patty Ros, a familiar face to everyone at "Building Care," will soon retire after an impressive 25-year journey. From the very first edition, which she started with care and dedication as project manager, Patty has guided and built the platform with a loving hand. What began in 2000 as a modest publication has since grown into a widely read trade magazine with an active online platform and expanded into Flanders. Patty was always on the front line, listening, thinking along and with an eye for what really matters in the healthcare sector.

Patty's strength lies in her unique ability to build deep relationships. Whether talking to hospital directors, architects or suppliers, she always finds a way to connect. For her, this platform has never been just another product. It is like a living organism that grows and flourishes, thanks in part to her attention and loving care. For Patty, "Building Care" was not just work; it was a mission.

The healthcare industry and this magazine have changed significantly in recent years, and Patty has witnessed it all up close. She saw the sector renew and change, responding to themes such as digitization and new forms of care. She was also proud of the cross-fertilization between Dutch and Flemish healthcare organizations that she helped foster, leading to stronger cooperation and knowledge exchange. All this without losing sight of the human aspect - something that makes Patty so typical. When she soon concludes her career, she will leave behind not only a platform, but also a whole family of colleagues, clients and relations who will miss her warm personality and commitment. Her unconditional commitment, the care with which she raised this journal and the trust she received are rare.

Patty, thank you for all you have meant to Building Healthcare and to the healthcare industry itself. You have left an indelible mark and we wish you a well-deserved and beautiful next phase. Your legacy lives on, not only in the pages of the magazine, but especially in the hearts of those who had the privilege of working with you.

What have you seen change in the healthcare industry over all these years?

"Oh, a lot," Patty replies with a smile. "Hospitals used to be often bleak and sterile, but today you see a lot more color and a warm feel. It became more of a place where people feel comfortable and that's a wonderful change. You also see new forms of care emerging, such as care hotels, hospices and care villas. These fill the gap between hospitals and traditional nursing care and really adapt to people's needs. Thus, the sector has grown along with the needs of our society."

How do you look back on the expansion into Flanders?

"That is something I am enormously proud of. The expansion into Flanders has brought a nice exchange of knowledge between Dutch and Flemish healthcare organizations, architects and suppliers. It's fantastic to see how companies are now setting up offices over and over again - this is also how it is becoming more and more of a European network."

Do you notice that people are curious about your role in this?

"Yes, that happens regularly. Sometimes people ask if I set all this up, and when I tell them that I've been guiding this platform with love and dedication for 25 years, they often find it quite unique. It is and remains very special to feel that appreciation."