Additional information
Would you like to know more about the quality and safety of healthcare in the Netherlands? Or are you interested in how patients’ rights are regulated here? Do you have a complaint about healthcare? The websites listed on this page can give you more information about these matters.
Quality and safety
It is important that healthcare is of good quality and also safe. Not only for the patient, but also for the healthcare provider. In the Netherlands, the government and healthcare providers therefore work together. In this way, they ensure that the quality and safety of healthcare is good. And they can improve quality and safety if necessary.
The website of the Dutch government (only in Dutch) provides information about quality and safety in the health care sector. This covers, for example:
- how the quality of healthcare is established and measured;
- how you can compare the quality of different healthcare providers with one another;
- safety for patients and safety in hospitals.
You will also find links there to other organisations that are involved in these matters.
The website kiesBeter.nl (only in Dutch) provides data on the quality of healthcare providers and information about how quality is measured.
Dutch hospitals created the website ziekenhuischeck.nl (Hospital Check - only in Dutch). This website belongs to the Dutch Hospital Association (Nederlandse Vereniging van Ziekenhuizen, NVZ). On this website you'll find information on different aspects to assess the quality of hospitals. For instance waiting lists and patient satisfaction. It is also possible to compare hospitals with each other.
More information about the quality of dentists and dental practices can be found on www.allesvoorhetgebit.nl (only in Dutch). On this website you'll find information, e.g. about the quality register for dentists. But also about the hygiene regulations with which dentists are expected to comply.
What are your rights as a patient?
In the Netherlands, the rights of patients are regulated by law. This concerns, for example, the right to information about treatment. But also the right to look at your medical records for yourself.
On the website of the Federation of Patients and Consumer Organizations in the Netherlands, Patiëntenfederatie Nederland (only in Dutch) you will find a number of information sheets. These are about the most important rights and obligations of patients. These sheets, for example, are about looking at your medical file. Or about the possibility of a second opinion. You can download these information sheets.
Naturally, the same rights also apply if you go to a dentist. More information can be found about this on patients’ dental rights (patiëntenrechten bij de tandarts (only in Dutch).
The organisation European Empowerment for Customised Solutions (EPECS) has published a number of brochures and factsheets. These are about your rights and obligations if you want to go to another EU country for medical treatment. Some are specifically intended for Dutch, German and Belgian patients treated in one of these countries. You'll find them on the website of EPECS (only in Dutch).
Complaints of problems?
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.
