Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – AZ Jan Palfijn and AZ Sint-Lucas in Ghent are merging into AZ Ganda. From 2027, Watersportlaan handles planned care; Groenebriel offers urgent care. The main person isTom Balthazar.
As VRT News reported, 2 hospitals in Ghent, AZ Jan Palfijn and AZ Sint-Lucas, are becoming one big hospital called AZ Ganda. This is a big change for the city’s healthcare system. They decided to merge about a year and a half ago. They mentioned that the main reason is to be stronger in the changing healthcare world.
By working together, they hope to attract more doctors and other staff, buy better medical technology, and follow the government’s rules more easily. Tom Balthazar from AZ, Jan Palfijn says that the merger will also help them deal with difficult problems like having more patients, needing new ideas, and using digital technology.
What changes will the AZ Ganda hospital merger bring by 2027?
The new hospital, AZ Ganda, is named after Ghent’s old name to show they are united and looking ahead. The 2 hospitals will still be used, but they will now work together as AZ Ganda. They have agreed on a plan to combine their departments, systems, and keep everyone informed. The main goal is to make sure everyone can get healthcare that they can afford.
By merging, they want to save money by working more efficiently and make care better by using the same methods and offering more specialised services. Officials mentioned that this change is part of a bigger trend in Belgium and Europe where hospitals are joining together to stay strong, focus on patients, and be ready for future healthcare needs.
According to patients won’t see big changes right away after the hospitals join to become AZ Ganda. Big changes will start in 2027 when everything is set up. The Watersportlaan campus, where AZ Jan Palfijn is now, will focus on planned care.
Surgeries and treatments that are scheduled, like those for shoulders, knees, and hips. The rehabilitation centre for the whole AZ Ganda will also be there. This way, patients getting planned treatments will easily get care after their surgery or treatment in the same place.
The AZ Sint-Lucas site will become Campus Groenebriel, where urgent care will be provided. People with serious conditions, like heart problems or cancer, will be treated there. It will have a big emergency room for quick care.
Important departments like care for the elderly and maternity will also be at Campus Groenebriel. The medical centres in Aalter, Lochristi, and Zelzate will join AZ Ganda. The new hospital plans to work more with Ghent University Hospital, sharing research and healthcare services in Ghent.
