A conflict has escalated at the Canisius-Wilhelmina Ziekenhuis (CWZ) in Nijmegen, with the hospital planning to dismiss five cardiologists, according to a report by De Gelderlander. The tensions between the hospital's board of directors and the cardiology department have reportedly been brewing for years, culminating in a crisis that could affect patient care.
The cardiologists at CWZ operate as a partnership, a unique arrangement within the hospital that allows them to function like a private limited company. This setup has led to disagreements with the board over compensation, as the cardiologists are said to be seeking higher pay. Meanwhile, the board has expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of care being provided.
An external investigation revealed alarming statistics: waiting times for patients had ballooned from 90 days last year to a staggering 300 days. The same investigation highlighted an "unsafe" atmosphere within the cardiology department, characterized by a culture of fear and intimidation. Reports suggest that the cardiologists have been perceived as being more focused on financial gain than on patient care, with allegations of missed appointments and a lack of accountability.
In response to the growing crisis, CWZ has temporarily brought in two new cardiologists to help reduce waiting times. However, the five cardiologists facing dismissal have assured that they will continue to ensure the continuity of care during this tumultuous period.
The decision to terminate the collaboration with the cardiologists has not yet been finalized. The board must first present its intentions to the client council, works council, nursing staff, and medical staff for their advice. Only after this consultation will the board issue a comprehensive response.
This is not the first time the CWZ has faced conflict with its cardiologists. Late last year, the hospital won a lawsuit against the cardiology department concerning financial transparency. The cardiologists had been conducting research on a new drug but failed to disclose how the funding was allocated. The hospital argued that the assets in the cardiologists' private limited companies had increased "exorbitantly" before the lawsuit, demanding greater transparency regarding their financial dealings.
The cardiologists’ unique position within the hospital complicates matters. Unlike other medical specialists who are employed directly by the hospital or belong to an umbrella partnership, the cardiologists negotiate their own fees with the board. This independence has led to a distinct dynamic that has now turned contentious.
In a recent press release, the hospital stated that a "generous notice period" would apply to the cardiologists, indicating that the board is taking steps to manage the transition carefully. The partnership of cardiologists has pledged to assist in maintaining the continuity of care, although the hospital has not clarified what this entails.
As the situation unfolds, an interim board has been tasked with determining how to best organize patient care moving forward. The urgency of the matter is underscored by the fact that patients in emergencies have reportedly been forced to seek treatment at other hospitals due to the ongoing issues within the cardiology department.
In 2022, the five cardiologists were already under scrutiny for accepting €1.7 million in sponsorship from the medical industry through their own foundation. This revelation raised questions about the ethics of their financial dealings and further strained relations with the hospital's board, which claimed it was unaware of the foundation's existence and the funds received.
Given the gravity of the situation, the board's decision to potentially dismiss the cardiologists could have far-reaching implications not only for the doctors involved but also for the patients who rely on their care. The ongoing investigation into the cardiology department and the board's subsequent actions will be closely monitored by stakeholders within the hospital and the broader community.
As the CWZ navigates this crisis, the future of cardiology care in Nijmegen hangs in the balance. Stakeholders are now looking to the board for clarity and direction, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes patient care while addressing the underlying issues that have led to this conflict.
