Second House debate on future of Zuyderland in Heerlen

Roel Wever: "It was good to see the broad support of the Lower House members for the preservation of a fully-fledged hospital in Heerlen. That the Lower House debated Zuyderland specifically for hours today can be seen as recognition of our struggle. What I am disappointed in, however, is Minister Agema's response that she simply "is not in charge of this," and thus actually sees no way to block the Zuyderland plan. That she is making an effort to change the minds of Zuyderland and CZ is commendable, however, again, we are not at the table and it is out of our hands. And that, while some Members of Parliament specifically insisted on talking to us in these talks as well."

Arlette Vrusch, Alderman for Health Care, was in The Hague all day today. "Surely it is sad to observe that political The Hague hands over its influence on hospitals to the market parties. So basically only a hospital board and an insurer determine where an emergency room, ICU and birthing center will be. Minister Agema does indicate that she is going to change the financing of hospitals in the long term. This comes too late for our hospital, we need a solution now!"

Mayor Wever: "We remain hopeful that the motions to be voted on next Tuesday, as well as the minister's conversation with Zuyderland and CZ, may yet mean a breakthrough in our fight. In any case, I am incredibly proud of all the people of Parkstad who have supported us every time, including today. Alderman Vrusch and I would therefore like to thank everyone who was in The Hague today to make our voice heard."