Between 2021 and 2023, 95 healthcare workers were dismissed for taking medication from stocks, according to the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate. Hospitals saw the highest occurrence, with 50% of hospital dismissals linked to this issue, compared to 15% in nursing homes and home care.
Reports often involve benzodiazepines and painkillers like tramadol or opioids such as morphine or oxycodone. Inspectorate head Janet Helder notes that care providers are often unaware of the issue.
The reasons cited by dismissed staff include high workload, shift work, and personal problems. The inspectorate calls for better supervision and suggests a culture shift towards discussing issues openly rather than immediate dismissal.
Ron Nieuwendijk from Hoffman Private Investigation reports an increase in medication theft cases, impacting the safety perception among patients and staff.
Source: NOS