At least 95 healthcare workers have been fired for taking medicine from their workplace

At least 95 healthcare workers have been fired in the last few years because they stole medicine from their workplace. According to the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ), they took the medication because they were overloaded because of high work pressure and changing shifts, while some also had troubles in their private lives. They believe that it happens often without medical institutions knowing of it.

The health inspectorate wants the hospitals to look at other solutions than firing the people involved. Giving people fewer night shifts or advising them on how to sleep better can prevent healthcare employees from resorting to taking medicine.

Workers who have become addicted may be able to get treatment. The healthcare sector has significant staff shortages, and if it is possible to keep people employed, then the “scarce healthcare personnel can still be deployed in healthcare.”

The independent professional organization for healthcare professionals, NU’91, said in a press release that they recognize the report from the IGJ. “These are shocking figures, especially when you consider that these dismissals could possibly have been prevented. Many institutions lack a policy on this subject, and that is highly undesirable. Where is the line drawn if the employer is over their limit? Employees are often not even aware that it is not permitted,” their chair, Femke Merel van Kooten, said.

NU’91 said that they were already aware of this issue months ago because it came forth from a poll by the organization. “This guidance from the IGJ means that the discussion on this can now be held at a national level. It is an essential first step to ensure that every Dutch healthcare institution will formulate a clear and unambiguous policy on this,” Van Kooten added.