A first tour of several hospitals in the Netherlands gives us the impression that, as in the spring, fewer patients with acute heart complaints and acute stroke complaints report to the first heart care or emergency room during the current second corona wave. The analysis of the referral data from the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) and ZorgDomein, presented on 22 October, also shows that GPs issue fewer referrals for their patients to hospital care.
‘Last week, the number of referrals to hospital care was 72% of what we would expect without a corona crisis,’ according to the NZa. That is 58 thousand fewer referrals for the entire specialist care than expected in this period. The Dutch Society for Cardiology (NVVC), the Dutch Society for Neurology (NVN), expertise center Harteraad and the Heart Foundation are concerned about this development.
Permanent damage
It is not good to stay at home or walk too long with serious heart problems. Neglected and insufficiently treated heart complaints can lead to permanent damage to the heart. Acute stroke treatment can prevent permanent disability. It is not necessary to avoid the hospital in case of (acute) complaints, even now hospitals do everything they can to prevent contamination with the corona virus.
Just like in the spring, we therefore call for acute heart complaints such as chest pain, sudden shortness of breath or loss to be reported to the GP or 112. And in case of acute paralysis, speech or language disorder, you can call 112. On behalf of the following organizations: Harteraad, the expertise center for living with cardiovascular diseases. We help these people and their loved ones with practical, social and emotional support. Together with volunteers, often experience experts, throughout the Netherlands, Harteraad offers a safe place for the exchange of knowledge, encounters and experience stories. So that you can live your life as optimally as possible again, despite your condition.
Harteraad stands up for interests
Harteraad also stands up for the interests of more than 1.5 million people with cardiovascular disease. Thanks to the knowledge and experiences of these people, Harteraad knows what is going on and what is needed. And represents them to the government, scientific research, insurers and healthcare professionals. The Heart Foundation works together with scientists, doctors, partners and many volunteers to find solutions to detect cardiovascular diseases earlier and treat them better and faster.
We fund research, provide support and education to patients and want to save extra lives in cardiac arrest. The Dutch Cardiology Association (NVVC) brings together cardiologists and other healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease. NVVC’s mission is to develop and facilitate high-quality cardiovascular care in the Netherlands. The Dutch Society for Neurology (NVN) is the scientific professional association of neurologists and doctors in training to become neurologists. The NVN focuses on the quality of care for people with disorders of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. She does this by applying, developing and sharing neurological knowledge and skills
Documents:
201027PERSBERICHToproephartenvaatpatienten.pdf
Source: ANP Perssupport
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