Tuesday’s weekly report from the National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM) revealed that, while the number of coronavirus cases in the Netherlands had dropped, there had been a rise in hospital admissions between July 20 and July 27. However, Dutch hospitals say this increase is yet to have an impact on other critical hospital care. 

Effect of coronavirus on Dutch hospitals

Between July 20 and July 27, the RIVM reported 538 new coronavirus related hospitalisations, compared to 272 in the week before. The National Coordination Centre for Patient Distribution (LCPS) reports that, as of July 29, there are a total of 648 coronavirus patients being treated in hospitals across the country, 177 of which are in intensive care. 

But, according to the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa), the increase in the number of hospitalised coronavirus patients is yet to affect critically plannable care in Dutch hospitals. 92 percent of hospitals in the Netherlands report being able to carry out the necessary care in critical situations, where a patient requires treatment within six weeks to prevent serious / long term damage to their health.

Post-pandemic catch-up care in the Netherlands

As a result of the sudden spike in infections at the start of July, hospital admissions continue to rise, however they are expected to stabilise next week. The infection rate in the Netherlands has been steadily dropping since July 18. 

Prime Minister Mark Rutte said this week that, while the number of hospital admissions continued to rise, he wasn’t too worried about hospitals being under too much pressure. “It seems to be manageable at the moment,” he said on Monday. He added that, considering the current situation, no additional restrictions seemed necessary.

Hospitals across the country are preparing to arrange regular care for thousands of patients that had to be postponed as a result of the pandemic. So-called catch-up care is expected to start in the autumn.