Second House debate on future of Zuyderland in Heerlen
Today, the House of Representatives debated the closure of the intensive care unit, the emergency department and the maternity centre of the Zuyderland hospital in Heerlen. Mayor Wever and Alderman Vrusch react with mixed feelings. And with pride in the support of all the people from Parkstad.
Roel Wever : “It was good to see the broad support of the members of the House of Representatives for the preservation of a fully-fledged hospital in Heerlen. The fact that the House of Representatives today debated Zuyderland specifically for hours can be seen as recognition of our struggle. What I am disappointed in, however, is the reaction of Minister Agema that she simply ‘does not have any say in this’, and therefore actually sees no way to block Zuyderland’s plan. That she is making an attempt to change Zuyderland and CZ’s minds is commendable, however, here too we are not at the table and it is out of our hands. And that, while several members of the House of Representatives specifically insisted on talking to us in these discussions as well”.
Arlette Vrusch , Alderman Health , was in The Hague all day today. “It is sad to see that political The Hague is handing over its influence on hospitals to the market parties. So in fact, only a hospital board and an insurer decide where an emergency room, IC and birth center will be located. Minister Agema does indicate that the financing of hospitals will change in the long term. This is too late for our hospital, we need a solution now!”
Mayor Wever : "We continue to hope that the motions that will be voted on next Tuesday, as well as the minister's conversation with Zuyderland and CZ, can still mean a breakthrough in our fight. In any case, I am incredibly proud of all the people from Parkstad who have supported us every time, including today. Alderman Vrusch and I would like to thank everyone who was in The Hague today to make our voices heard.”