In 2017 over 900 highly-specialised medical teams from all over Europe joined forces to tackle rare or complex diseases within 24 European Reference Networks (ERNs). The ERNs are a ray of hope for many patients, their families and their doctors. In four new videos, patients explain how the networks will help them. 

	Elisa is a young Italian woman who suffers from a rare bone disorder. European Reference Networks allow doctors to share their knowledge, data and resources, to help diagnose and treat people like Elisa.
	Paula, a girl from Barcelona, is an organ recipient. Paediatric transplantations require a complex, life-long follow-up. Pooling and exchanging expertise within ERNs can help these children get the best pre and post-operative care.
	From the Netherlands, Jasper suffers from a genetic form of heart disease. He is being helped by a multidisciplinary medical team in Amsterdam involved in the ERN on diseases of the heart. This collaboration allows the doctors and researchers to better understand his case from different perspectives.
	Daniel represents patients in the ERN dealing with rare kidney diseases. His story illustrates the importance of listening to patients to improve care.
	A longer video is also available, presenting the full story of the European Reference Networks from the perspective of doctors, patients and the European Health Commissioner, Vytenis Andriukaitis.

More information:

• Watch all the videos