Aggression toward Dutch hospital staff triples despite tighter security and training
Reports of aggression in Dutch hospitals continue to climb, according to a NU.nl survey of ten hospitals. Despite stricter policies and training programs, hospitals report no relief from the growing problem. All ten hospitals confirmed an increase in incidents over the past five years. The St. Antonius Hospital in Utrecht and Isala in Zwolle reported that cases have more than tripled since 2020.
Staff frequently face verbal aggression, including shouting, swearing, intimidation, and threats. A spokesperson for LUMC in Leiden described “frustration aggression” stemming from patient helplessness, fear, or disappointment. “A understandable form that is usually manageable, but every incident is one too many,” they told NU.nl.
Security involvement has risen, and the police are often called, especially for physical aggression. The Albert Schweitzer Hospital allegedly reported incidents so severe that staff were temporarily unable to work.
Hospitals have implemented policies and staff training to handle aggression. Jeroen Bosch Hospital in Den Bosch uses yellow and red cards to warn or restrict entry, while Medisch Spectrum Twente denied access to 29 people last year, up from seven in 2020, and issued 42 yellow cards.
Emergency buttons have been installed for front desk staff. Reporting aggressive incidents has also been encouraged. Despite these measures, incidents continue to rise. “It’s not better than a year ago; incidents are still growing,” Isala told NU.nl.
Hospitals cite long wait times, staff shortages, and heightened emotions as key causes. St. Antonius Hospital noted that respect for healthcare workers, strong early in the pandemic, has sharply declined.
A government campaign urging patients to “count to eleven” before reacting has been launched, but hospitals say nationwide policies are needed to address the root causes.
