Friesland, the country’s largest province, is set to lose two of its hospitals, Omrop Fryslân reports. The Antonius Hospital in Sneek and the Tjongerschans Hospital in Heerenveen will be closed in the coming years although no exact date has been set. A new hospital will be constructed in Joure to replace them.
The plans were revealed Tuesday at a press conference. However discussions about the issue began back in October 2022. The decision to shut down the hospitals in Sneek and Heerenveen is aimed at ensuring the efficiency of healthcare services in the region. Healthcare authorities say hospitals in Leeuwarden and Drachten will remain open.
“We are aware that this is a significant move,” said Patrick Vink, a board member of the Medical Center Leeuwarden (MCL). The closure of the hospitals and the construction of the Joure facility are expected to take place over the next ten years. The hospital in Joure will also cater to patients from Flevoland.
Vink emphasized that the decision will not affect employment opportunities. “Our concern is more about attracting people,” he stated. “We are already grateful for every employee we have.”
The total investment for the project is estimated to be between €200 and €250 million. According to Tjeerd Rijpma, a board member of the Tjongerschans Hospital, Joure was chosen for a number of reasons. “We considered the catchment area and the optimal ambulance response times,” Rijpma explained.
Frisian hospitals have intensified their collaboration in recent years aiming to concentrate healthcare services by fostering increased cooperation. Smaller hospitals in the region already collaborate in the field of emergency care.
Anita Boreas, a neurologist at the Antonius hospital, is a bit concerned about the plans. “Deep in my heart, I would prefer to keep it there. The closure will have significant consequences for our patients and staff. But it seems we have no choice as we face a severe shortage of personnel. A quarter of our junior doctors no longer want to work here. The situation is unsustainable.”
The shutdown of the hospitals in Sneek and Heerenveen, along with the construction of a new one in Joure, marks a pivotal moment in the restructuring of healthcare services in the province, Omrop Fryslân says. While the decision brings challenges and uncertainties, the ultimate aim is to ensure the provision of quality medical care in the region for years to come.
