Since 12 March, Dutch GPs have referred 360,000 fewer patients to the hospital than usual, the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) reports Monday. It is estimated that 290,500 people with a referral are still waiting for an appointment at the hospital.
On Monday, the regulator came up with an initial estimate of the deferred care demand as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
Not all specialisms show an equally large decrease. For example, the number of referrals has decreased less in gynecology / obstetrics than in orthopedics and dermatology.
From April, GPs have referred more patients again. That recovery can mainly be seen in urgent referrals.
The NZa has made agreements with the parties involved to restore regular healthcare to the best of its ability. This includes the Regional Consultation Acute Care Chain (ROAZ) and the National Network Acute Care (LNAZ).
Regular care must be restarted in phases
Not all patients can go to the hospital for regular care after the outbreak. The most necessary planned hospital care must first be resumed. After that, the other regular care must be restarted in phases, according to the NZa. Diagnosis lists have been drawn up to determine which care should be provided first.
When starting regular care, the capacity for corona patients in intensive care must be taken into account and sufficient protective material must remain available, the NZa warns.
From next week, the supervisor will consult with the other care sectors, including home care, mental healthcare, general practitioner care and oral care, about restoring regular care.
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