Mayor Roel Wever: "I am badly shocked and extremely angry about this outcome. With all due respect, this underpinning is only about money. For a region like Parkstad and surrounding municipalities, with 300,000 inhabitants that have already had a lot to endure in the past, this is a drain. In my eyes, this simply cannot be done!"

Social impact 

Although the governing board claims that little will change from the current situation, the change does have a major social impact for Heerlen and the surrounding area. Mayor Wever: "We have lost all confidence in the chairman of the board of Zuyderland. We are mentioned in every report you can think of, such as Every Region Counts. I say: put your money where your mouth is for once. Motions have been passed in the House of Representatives and Provincial States to keep this hospital open."

Unacceptable 

Gemeente Heerlen, region Parkstad and the Hospital Alliance have done everything possible to keep the hospital in Heerlen with all its facilities. Mayor Wever: "So I make an urgent appeal to the board of Zuyderland and the chairman of CZ to join me and the Alliance in going to The Hague. To jointly come up with a master plan on how we can retain or get staff." 

Alderman for Health Arlette Vrusch: "A hospital is crucial for the well-being and health of our residents. Especially in a region where there are major health inequalities and where people have the lowest life expectancy. The closure of a full-fledged emergency room and intensive care in Heerlen will further increase these health risks through longer arrival times, more residents avoiding care and increased pressure on general practitioners. It also raises mobility issues for vulnerable residents and leads to displacement of staff, with economic consequences."

Timoer Reijnders and Theo de Groot of the Hospital Alliance: "We have pulled out all the stops to convey the views of our city and region to the governing table. Still, it remains inexplicable that our efforts, including a petition, protest march, residents meetings and manifestation have not availed. We find it more than regrettable that business economic arguments outweigh care-related reasons." 

Heerlen has always advocated the retention of two full-fledged hospitals in both towns and therefore regrets this outcome. Mayor Wever: "We are also extremely disappointed in the entire process towards the outcome. I have indicated several times that I would like to help think about and work on solutions. For example, for labor market issues, child care and housing for employees and parking at the hospital. It is absurd that we have been excluded, while we could have been part of the solution."

Mayor Wever: "Together with all parties involved, we are going to consider what steps to take now. We will certainly not leave it at that."