Utrecht, 8 April 2024 -This morning, it opened Carina Hilders, chairman of the board UMC Utrecht, Care & '25 in Royal Jaarbeurs. Under the theme 'Fit for the future', more than ten thousand visitors/healthcare professionals will gather 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 fair and the leading Zorg & ict trade fair. Zorg & hr is a collaboration between Jaarbeurs and founding partner Randstad and focuses on the technical possibilities to effectively address staffing challenges in healthcare. Lieke Schepers, managing director 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 until Thursday 10 April 2025 at Royal Jaarbeurs.
Future-proof care
The grand 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 centre stage and embracing innovative technologies, we can improve the quality of care while controlling costs. At the Zorg & '25 trade fair today, we will see the future of healthcare, where technology and humanity go hand in hand to provide the best possible care."
Leading keynote speakers and directors
In addition to Hilders, leading speakers and directors such as Marcel Levi (director NWO), Bianca Buurman (chairman V&VN and professor of acute elderly care), Bianca Rouwenhorst (director of Information Policy and CIO - Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport), Ruth Peetoom (chairman of the Dutch ggz) and prof. Dr Anne Marie Weggelaar (extraordinary professor of Innovation and Transformation in Healthcare TU/e), will share their knowledge and vision on current topics during Care & '25.
Jeroen van Hooff, CEO Royal Jaarbeurs: "The substantive programme 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 staff shortage in healthcare is severe. According to the Social and Economic Council (SER), one in seven people currently working in care is estimated to be one in four by 2040. The challenge of meeting the demand for care in 2040 too 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 help ensure that healthcare remains accessible to everyone, also in the future.
Lieke Schepers and Jeroen van Hooff. Photo: Michiel Ton
National Care Innovation Award ceremony
On Wednesday 9 April, during Care & ict, Zorginnovatie.nl will present the tenth edition of the National Care Innovation Award; 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 8 to Thursday 10 April at Royal Jaarbeurs.
Professionals can attend the healthcare fairs for free after registering on the Care & '25 website
Photos: Michiel Ton
