The main purpose of the meeting was to gather and discuss everyone’s role in the project. First day of the meeting was dedicated to the introduction of both Easy2reUse project and Health Emergency Preparedness and Response department (HERA). The rest of the first day, cooperation and discussions between members of each of the work packages were highlighted. Second day of the event started at University Hospital HUS where the equipment maintenance and Ebola operating room were visited. Attention was paid especially to the cleaning methods in the hospital. The event ended at Folkhälsan, where Steering Committee meeting was held and a presentation on the preparedness was given. Finally, the event was summed up by the work package leaders and project manager.
Easy2reUse project is a four-year project started in September 2025 and has been funded by EU together with nine partners: LUT, LAB, FISABIO, UCLouvain, FIOH, TalTech, KTU, TBU, BCNHealth, in cooperation with two associated partners: HUS and NESA.
Day before start, 28th October 2025
The unofficial part of the event started by gathering at Sofia Helsinki with some of the project members in order to get to know the project and each other. In the evening, the dinner was the most delicious at Vinkkeli. At that time, we did realized how much food can tell you about your own culture!
Day1, 29th October 2025
First official day was served at Scandic Helsinki Hub hotel. Afternoon consisted of welcoming speeches and presentations that concerned about the Easy2reUse project given by Krista Koljonen (LUT), Eveliina Repo (LUT) and Susanna Tella (LAB). HERA’s policy objectives was presented by HERA Officer Mari Carmen Sanz Urdin. After lunch, a lively discussion of the issues and roles between the work packages in three different groups began, ending after hours and continuing over excellent dinner at Ragu.
Day 2, 30th October 2025
In the morning, we hurried to the Siltasairaala at HUS where Deputy Chief Physician Eeva Ruotsalainen (HUS) was waiting us with the guide group, giving us a tour around the hospital in three groups. We were especially introduced to the equipment maintenance and Ebola rooms. For example, we discussed facemasks with the nurses, their use in the hospital and what they should be like. In the end, the visit was invaluable and important for the Easy2reUse project. Thank you very much for giving us a chance to come visit HUS hospital!
The day continued nearby at Folkhälsan where the Steering Committee meeting was held, followed by a lunch. Planning manager Kimmo Parhiala gave also a presentation on preparedness, readiness and activities at the HUS Readiness Centre. In the end, the work package leaders summarized the day and whole event, and ideas to take home were summarized. Lastly, the ending words were given by Susanna Tella (LAB) and Krista Koljonen (LUT).
Conclusions
We had most exciting two to three days in Helsinki, where the project members finally met face-to-face for the first time. This kick-off meeting showed how important it is to meet each other in real life and exchange ideas and views with each other. It also demonstrated how valuable it is to get to know the real environment in order to get an idea of the overall picture of the processes in the hospital.
Thank you to everyone who participated! You made the event perfect.