Dutch Hospital Delays Surgeries Due to Flu Surge

Several hospitals in the Netherlands are postponing elective surgeries due to a surge in patients with respiratory illnesses, primarily influenza. The Albert Schweitzer Ziekenhuis in Dordrecht confirmed it is delaying some procedures at its locations in Dordrecht and Zwijndrecht, though urgent operations – including those for children and oncology patients – are proceeding as scheduled.

The postponements are a result of increased hospital admissions of patients experiencing flu-like symptoms, coupled with delays in discharging patients who require placement in nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. This combination is creating significant strain on healthcare capacity. The hospital anticipates the situation will worsen with the ongoing holiday period and the upcoming carnival celebrations, which begin on Friday.

This situation reflects a broader trend across the Netherlands. National figures on influenza cases from general practitioners are expected to be released later today. If these figures surpass a predetermined threshold, it will officially be declared a national influenza epidemic. While the threshold was already exceeded last week, health authorities require two consecutive weeks above the threshold to formally declare an epidemic.

The pressures extend beyond influenza. Hospitals are also contending with a rise in cases of the RS virus, a common respiratory virus that can be particularly dangerous for young children and the elderly. Earlier this year, hospitals were forced to delay pediatric surgeries due to a shortage of pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) beds, with approximately half of those beds occupied by children with severe respiratory problems caused by the RS virus. Around 90 pediatric ICU beds are available nationally.

The current strain on healthcare resources is not limited to hospitals. Schools are also experiencing challenges, with teachers struggling to cover classes due to illness. This situation is described as a “simmering crisis” by Esther Cornegé-Blokland, chairwoman of the Dutch Association for Clinical Geriatrics (NVKG). She noted that existing staff shortages, combined with the peak in respiratory illnesses, are overwhelming the healthcare system, particularly in elderly care.

Yara Basta, chairwoman of the Dutch Association for Emergency Physicians, explained that some hospitals are scaling down planned care to ensure sufficient capacity for incoming flu patients. These postponements affect patients awaiting non-life-saving interventions, such as knee replacements, and procedures requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission post-operatively.

Other hospitals, including Medisch Spectrum Twente (MST), Rode Kruis Hospital in Beverwijk, ST Franciscus Gasthuis in Rotterdam, Vlietland hospitals in Schiedam, and LangeLand Hospital in Zoetermeer, have also announced the postponement of surgeries as a “last resort” to alleviate pressure on healthcare services. MST has stated that emergency services, oncological care, and day care treatments will continue, but the status of other operations is being reviewed daily.

The situation in the Netherlands mirrors challenges being faced elsewhere. In the United States, hospitals are also postponing elective surgeries as flu admissions rise sharply, impacting emergency and pediatric care. California health officials recently warned of an increase in flu-related hospitalizations and confirmed a second severe flu-related death .

The postponement of elective surgeries is a difficult but necessary step to prioritize care for the most critically ill patients. While disruptive for those awaiting planned procedures, it reflects the significant strain the current wave of respiratory illnesses is placing on the Dutch healthcare system. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation and anticipate the peak of the epidemic has not yet been reached.

The RS virus, also circulating in the country, poses a particular risk to infants. Approximately one in 56 healthy infants ends up hospitalized due to the RS virus, which can cause symptoms ranging from a runny nose and cough to severe respiratory distress.