Dossier summary

The summary of this dossier can be viewed in the overall summary of the ITEM Cross-Border Impact Assessment 2023.

• Dossier 4: Future-proof acute care in the Netherlands: 360° cross-border perspectives
• Dossier 4: Toekomstbestendige acute zorg in Nederland: 360° grensoverschrijdend perspectieven

Dossier explanation

The Minister of Health, Welfare, and Sport (Ernst Kuipers) has proposed concentrating acute care in response to rising demand for emergency care and personnel shortages in the Netherlands. However, concerns have been raised what effect this proposal has on the proximity and quality of care in border regions, where patients already face long distances to healthcare services. While the proposal emphasises the importance of enhanced regional cooperation in the delivery of care and patient distribution, it raises the question of whether adequate attention is given to the impact and opportunities in euregional and cross-border cooperation.