Are you not satisfied with the treatment or the healthcare provider? And you could not resolve the matter? Then you can file a complaint. Read how to go about this below.
General information
On its website, the Dutch government provides information on how to file a complaint about a healthcare provider. You will also find information about what to do if you have a complaint about sexual harassment by a healthcare provider. Or if you would like to file a complaint with the Dutch Healthcare Disciplinary Board.
On the website of the Federation of Patients and Consumer Organizations in the Netherlands, Patiëntenfederatie Nederland (only in Dutch) you will find a information sheets on this subject. These are under the heading ‘Rechten'('Rights'). You will find tips on what to do if something has gone wrong with the treatment. You will also get tips on how to stand up for yourself. Or what is possible if you do not find a solution with the healthcare provider.
Quality of healthcare
If you have a complaint about the quality of healthcare, you can obtain advice and support from the National Healthcare Report Centre (Landelijk Meldpunt Zorg).
Hospitals
If you have a complaint about a hospital, please check the website of Hospitals Disputes Committee (Geschillencommissie Ziekenhuizen (only in Dutch). There you will find a leaflet (brochure) about the work of this committee and information on how to file a complaint (the procedure).
The organisation Independent Clinics Netherlands (Zelfstandige Klinieken Nederland [ZKN] - only in Dutch) provides information about what you can do if you have a complaint about an independent treatment centre. You will also read exactly what the Disputes Committee of the ZKN does. You can turn to this Dispute Committee if you cannot resolve the complaint together with the clinic.
Dentists
Are you not satisfied with a dentist’s treatment? Then you can file a complaint if you do not resolve the matter with the dentist. Please read on the website allesvoorhetgebit.nl (only in Dutch) what you need to do. You will find information about the complaints and mediation of complaints. But also about the complaints service of the of the Royal Dutch Dental Association ((Koninklijke Nederlandse Maatschappij tot bevordering der Tandheelkunde - KNMT).
Damages after a medical error
Do you want compensation after a medical error? Please read on the website of the Federation of Patients and Consumer Organizations in the Netherlands (Patiëntenfederatie Nederland - only in Dutch) what you need to do. They also provide an information sheet about this subject. For example, about what a medical error actually is. But also how you can talk about this with the healthcare provider. Or how you can claim compensation and what your rights and obligations are as a complainant.