In the coming years, staff shortages in the healthcare sector are expected to increase significantly. In ten years, the shortage is projected to reach 266,000 workers, according to data sent by Minister Agema of Health to the Dutch parliament.
The most significant shortages are anticipated in nursing homes and care facilities, particularly for roles requiring vocational training such as nursing assistants, nurses with vocational and higher education, and social service providers with higher education. The forecast is tens of thousands higher than last year’s estimate due to slower-than-expected reductions in sick leave and lower increases in labor productivity.
The demand for healthcare is rising faster than the supply of personnel, with a current shortfall of 44,000 workers reported last year. Agema prioritizes addressing this workforce shortage.
She plans to reduce administrative burdens using artificial intelligence and medical technology innovations and aims to make the work and training more appealing. However, negotiations on the healthcare agreement face difficulties due to an unexpected additional budget cut of 315 million euros.
Yesterday, representatives from university hospitals, independent clinics, medical specialists, and the nurses’ association withdrew from the negotiations over the healthcare agreement, deeming the cut unacceptable. The reduction was agreed upon by coalition and some opposition parties to partially reverse cuts to education.
Health sector parties urge the Senate to reconsider and discuss with Agema before casting their budget votes.
Source: NOS