The fifty-year 'residency', dating back to 1947, in London (UK), of the International Hospital Federation (IHF) Secretariat, came to an end on November 4th, 2002, with its move to Ferney-Voltaire, (France). The move was facilitated thanks to a generous relocation grant by the regional Chamber of Commerce and a unanimous decision by the IHF Governing Council, supported by the Federation's national 'A' members.

Ferney-Voltaire, located in the Geneva area and once the hometown of the famous philosopher, has an interesting mix of international and local French culture, the population of which is made up of some 87 nationalities.

The international affairs complex in Ferney-Voltaire in which the newly purchased IHF office is located also hosts other international NGOs, namely the FDI (World Dental Federation) and the WMA (World Medical Association). For many of IHF's members who participate regularly at events at the World Health Organization, such as the World Health Assembly, held each year in May in Geneva, there will be even greater and increased opportunities for fellowship and interaction. In addition, the Federation has available work desks in its office for those wishing to make use of such facilities and of course, the staff would always be ready and willing to provide assistance.

Plans are well underway for hosting of two major inaugural activities at the new office on Monday, 16 December 2002, the first of which will be the IHF Governing Council meeting. In the evening, the Governing Council members, representatives and colleagues of the international healthcare community and regional governmental bodies will be among the guests to attend a welcome reception, at which Dr. Eng Kiong Yeoh, IHF President will officially inaugurate the new Secretariat office. I seize this opportunity to extend an invitation to all members and colleagues who may be in the area and available to join us at our 'house warming' reception. Please contact christa@ihf-fih.org (IHF Events Coordinator) to confirm your acceptance.

I look forward to seeing you soon, if not in Ferney-Voltaire, then at our Congress in San Francisco (USA), 2-5 August 2003.