Few Dutch patients advised on faster treatment options amid long wait times

Dutch patients facing long waits for surgeries or treatments receive little assistance in finding faster alternatives, according to a new survey by Patiëntenfederatie Nederland. Out of nearly 10,000 patients surveyed, only 7 percent were informed about the possibility of getting treated sooner at a different hospital.

The federation, which represents dozens of patient organizations for conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Crohn’s disease, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, HIV, and cancer, warns that long waiting periods can have serious consequences. "Patients often experience pain, uncertainty, and limitations in daily life while waiting," the organization stated. "In some cases, their health deteriorates, making eventual treatment more complex."

Health insurers in the Netherlands have the ability to help patients find hospitals with shorter wait times, but only 4 percent of respondents said they were made aware of this option, the survey found. Many patients continue waiting unnecessarily despite available alternatives.

Arthur Schellekens, director of Patiëntenfederatie Nederland, criticized the lack of information and assistance. "It is unacceptable that patients in the Netherlands sometimes wait months longer than necessary simply because they are not informed about faster alternatives," he said.

The federation is calling on hospitals, clinics, and health insurers to do more to ensure patients are aware of and have access to shorter wait time options, emphasizing that delays can worsen health outcomes and increase treatment complexity.