Health inspectorate forces Rhoon doctor to stop immediately; 3,500 patients in uncertainty

A general practitioner in Rhoon, a town in the Dutch province of South Holland, must immediately stop working. The Dutch Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ) issued the order due to a "very risky situation for patient safety." The practice serves around 3,500 patients, a significant number by Dutch standards.

The doctor was notified of the order on July 15, but the IGJ only made the decision public on Wednesday, including the physician's name. The inspectorate's report indicates the doctor has not yet responded to the allegations. The practice's insurer, Zilveren Kruis, was informed and attempted to contact the doctor, but had not received a response as of Wednesday afternoon.

The IGJ's investigation, prompted by multiple reports concerning the doctor's care, revealed "very risky situations" for patient safety. The inspectorate stated that the doctor's behavior demonstrates a "personality" unsuited for her profession, leading to "serious harm to the health of individuals or a significant risk thereof."

This is a rare and drastic measure, marking only the sixth time the IGJ has imposed such an order since gaining the authority in 2018. The measure, known as a "Last tot onmiddellijke onthouding van de beroepsactiviteiten" (LOOB), is reserved for situations where the inspectorate sees no prospect of improvement and deems it irresponsible to allow the practitioner to continue working before a disciplinary ruling. The sudden halt leaves the 3,500 patients in uncertainty, and it remains unclear if the doctor has arranged for a substitute practitioner, which is a requirement.