Dutch hospitals are getting more and more in trouble due to the large influx of corona patients. In twelve hospitals, critical plannable care cannot always be delivered within six weeks due to staff shortages. The problems are less severe in Brabant than in the rest of the country.
This is apparent from figures that the Dutch hospitals shared with the Dutch Healthcare Authority on Thursday. Due to the influx of corona patients, fewer hospital staff are available to make up for operations. Surgeries that are less urgent should also be postponed.
“The least urgent care is scaled down first,” the Dutch Healthcare Authority said. “That is unavoidable at the moment to keep acute care accessible for both corona and non-corona patients. Medical specialists assess whether it is, and remains, justified to postpone treatments.
It is important that people with health problems contact their GP, emphasizes the Dutch Healthcare Authority. He or she can assess whether it is justified to wait, to treat yourself or to refer the patient to the hospital.
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