A solid foundation is a must! Quality at a basic Accident and Emergency Department within a regional network

The Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport has asked the Health Council of the Netherlands for advice on one particular element that requires special attention: support facilities in hospitals with basic A&E departments. Given that the full range of specialist care and specialist facilities is not available in such hospitals, it is important to identify what is needed for the provision of proper emergency care. This topic has been addressed by a Health Council committee specially appointed for the purpose.

The Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport has asked the Health Council of the Netherlands for advice on one particular element that requires special attention: support facilities in hospitals with basic A&E departments. Given that the full range of specialist care and specialist facilities is not available in such hospitals, it is important to identify what is needed for the provision of proper emergency care. This topic has been addressed by a Health Council committee specially appointed for the purpose.

There are two central issues. Firstly, acute care must be accessible to patients. Secondly, patients must be taken to the right place, one where appropriate acute care is available to them.