Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Belgium’s healthcare crisis, highlighted by Eric Christians, includes an aging population, €174 million in hospital losses, and staff shortages. Solutions involve better resource management and value-based healthcare over the next decade.
A new report from the Belgian Association of Hospital Directors warns that Belgium is facing a serious healthcare crisis. Eric Christians, the chairman, says three main issues are affecting the system: the aging population will increase the need for care, many hospitals are struggling financially, losing 174 million euros last year, and there is a big shortage of staff. Christians is worried that the number of students signing up for nursing courses is not enough to solve these problems in the future.
What are the key challenges facing Belgium’s healthcare system?
According to Christians, there are many reasons for the lack of staff in healthcare. Fewer young people are starting jobs, and many don’t want to work weekends or nights. Nursing has changed, and nurses spend more time on paperwork than helping patients. Because of this, some hospitals are closing departments because they don’t have enough workers. This means patients have to wait longer for help, and the problem might get worse.
Christians know that healthcare needs to save money in the future. The Association of Hospital Directors thinks the government’s budget for healthcare is good compared to other countries, so they are not asking for more funds. Instead, they want to use the current resources better. They support a model called “value-based healthcare,” which focuses on what patients need and emphasizes prevention. Christians believe that using technology and sharing tasks among staff can help improve the system. He understands that these changes will take time, possibly around ten years, but feels everyone wants to solve the issues in healthcare.