Erik Scherder opens Zorg&'24 trade fair in Royal Jaarbeurs

This morning, Royal Jaarbeurs opened its doors for the Zorg & ict trade show and the two new healthcare trade shows: Care & food and Care & facility. With the theme "Fit for the future," tens of thousands of healthcare professionals will gain knowledge and inspiration these days about innovations and solutions in the areas of digital transformation, sustainable food and facility management. Erik Scherder, neuropsychologist and professor, cited the importance of vitality for healthcare professionals: "Physical fitness has a huge effect on your mental health, this is something I want to pass on to every healthcare professional." The healthcare trade fairs will take place through Thursday, April 11, during Dutch Health Week 2024 in which the city and region of Utrecht will be entirely dedicated to health and healthcare.

Jeroen van Hooff, CEO Royal Jaarbeurs: "I am extremely proud of the massive turnout this morning during the opening. Together with over 350 exhibitors, 400 speakers and a packed program, we look forward to inspiring tens of thousands of healthcare professionals with the latest trends and developments that will make a valuable contribution to future-proof healthcare. In addition to an exhibition floor filled with exhibitors offering a variety of workshops, knowledge sessions and roundtable discussions, we will give the stage to well-known top speakers such as TV chef Hugo Kennis, top athlete Dafne Schippers and culinary entrepreneur Ron Blaauw."

At Zorg & ict trade show, Bianca Rouwenhorst, top official at Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, shares her views on data availability. "Digital transformation in healthcare must. With the National Vision and Strategy on the Health Information System, we have a compass for using data and digitization to contribute to solving issues in healthcare. That's great, but if we really want to move the transformation forward, we also need to get started on implementation right away," said Bianca Rouwenhorst. ICU physician Diederik Gommers takes visitors into the world of AI.

Trade fair Care & food focuses on the future of healthy food. For example, well-known TV chef Hugo Kennis gives his views on health and sustainability. "Avocados, soy and coconut are not the solution. We are all pretty confused. It's really time we stopped dragging food all over the world. Just pick what's around, that's where the road to sustainable and healthy eating lies," said Hugo Kennis. Culinary entrepreneur Ron Blaauw also shares his vision of nutrition in Dutch healthcare. According to Ron Blaauw, eating healthy is not difficult. "Sustainability is necessary. That doesn't have to mean not eating meat at all. And losing weight? That's fine, but not by running after the next nutrition guru." 

At the Zorg & facility trade show, healthcare professionals will see and hear developments, insights and trends surrounding facilities issues in the healthcare sector. Healthcare organizations face the challenge of providing adequate care for more patients and clients with fewer people and budget. Jos Nijhof, facilities director Martini Hospital, gives his views on facilities issues in healthcare. "Of course, 'facilities' is not part of the primary care in a hospital. Ultimately, the patient continues to come here for his medical examination and treatment. There is no longer a hospital if you take the medical care out of it. Nevertheless, I am convinced that facility services in the patient journey make a very important contribution to the patient's well-being and recovery," Jos Nijhof said. Former top athlete Dafne Schippers also takes the stage and provides insight on the impact of top athletics on her life highlighting physical challenges and the importance of a healthy body and mental resilience.

Care&'24 takes place from Tuesday, April 9 through Thursday, April 11 in Royal Exchange.