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A strong network coordination team is not only ‘nice to have’, it is fundamentally important. The coordinator and network partners rely on this team for seamless communication and efficient collaboration. A fundamental principle of networking is that there is always someone within the network who possesses superior knowledge or expertise. In the case of ERN-LUNG, we are fortunate to have a fantastic Network Coordination Team that the coordinator can trust and all members and partners of ERN-LUNG are aware that there is always someone who will help.
Change of Coordinator – no change of Coordinator
Initially, we believed that changing the coordinator would be a good idea, especially since Marc Humbert was willing to step-up from the position of the Vice-Coordinator. With his extensive global connections and strong foundations in the French System of Healthcare for Rare Diseases, his important role within the European Respiratory Society, and his belief in the Idea of ERN-LUNG, no question, he would provide a great opportunity to infuse ERN-LUNG with a fresh perspective and momentum.
However, after careful consideration, we have decided against switching the roles of the Coordinator and the Vice-Coordinator for several reasons. One of the important factors influencing this decision is the desire to maintain the excellent collaboration and coordination within the Coordinator's Hospital Administration, which seems to be an important contributor to running such a big network smoothly. The Frankfurt University Hospital Administration has shown to be flexible and understanding the specific stumbling blocks which funding by the European Commission may have as a surprise. We recognize the value of the current structure and believe it is in the best interest of ERN-LUNG to preserve this successful co-working space for the Network coordination team. We think that keeping the structures of the network coordination and the hospital unchanged will increase the chances for creative input coming from the Vice-Coordinator.
We, the Network Coordination Team, will keep him safe from administrative and financial issues and thus we hope ERN-LUNG will make the best from having Marc Humbert being so enthusiastic for ERN-LUNG.
In conclusion, while the idea of introducing a new coordinator was initially seen as an opportunity for growth, we have chosen to maintain the existing roles in the attempt not to jeopardize the Network Coordination Team utilizing the background of the Frankfurt University Hospital. This will allow for the effective continuation of collaboration demonstrated by the current situation. By this we think to set the stage for new ideas and input coming from the Vice Coordinator and from all of the members and partners of ERN-LUNG.
We have a fantastic Network Coordination Team
When sitting down to write this “Coordinator’s word” I planned to sing a praise song of the Network Coordination Team, because they deserve it. I am not good at such tasks. So, please, take it as my public compliment and ‘thank you’ to enthusiastic people who make ERN-LUNG their business and make it flourish. Marc and I, we both know ERN-LUNG would not be possible without them.
Evaluation – no Evaluation
We all have spent quite some time with evaluation – and some still are working on their improvement plans. I will not add much more on this topic, but we all have to be aware of the fact, that after evaluation is before evaluation. But you can relax, this will not happen every year, the next external evaluation will be after another 4 years!
I wish you a very nice summer
Thomas, Coordinator of ERN-LUNG |
