Gaps in Groningen Healthcare — Why Access Is Getting Harder for Many
Long waiting times, digital barriers, and rising costs make care less accessible—especially for vulnerable residents.
Access to healthcare in the province of Groningen is becoming increasingly difficult for many people. This is the conclusion of the recent Accessible Care campaign by Zorgbelang Groningen, in which nearly 270 residents shared their experiences. The research highlights growing inequality in healthcare access due to long wait times, complex systems, and financial barriers.
Long Waits and Worsening Complaints
Half of the participants said they had to wait a long time for appointments or treatments, particularly with general practitioners, hospitals, and mental health providers. For some, these delays led to worsening health. One participant noted that despite adjusting their lifestyle to manage symptoms, they still ended up in the emergency room three times due to delayed care.
These delays often force people to rely on family or friends for support, undermining their independence. Others reported having to cut back on activities like walking or social visits to avoid worsening their condition while waiting.
Digital Barriers and a Lack of Support
Many residents, particularly older people and those in rural villages, struggle with digital healthcare systems. Participants mentioned difficulty navigating various portals, logging into different hospital systems, and managing medical records. One participant shared how retrieving X-rays from three different hospitals became an exhausting and time-consuming task.
Zorgbelang Groningen suggests introducing more support for patients navigating digital care—such as a digital guide and a helpline. Additionally, patients called for a unified system for patient records to avoid the confusion caused by multiple platforms.
Telephone Access and Transport Challenges
While most participants found care locations physically accessible, many faced challenges contacting providers by phone. Long wait times and expensive call costs—especially for those using prepaid phones—were a common issue. Health insurers in particular were noted for poor telephone accessibility.
Transport was another barrier. Patients without a car or a nearby bus connection had trouble attending appointments, especially in rural areas. Taxi costs added up quickly for those requiring frequent visits. Some participants were unaware of volunteer transport or dial-a-bus options, highlighting the need for better communication about available services.
Financial Strain and Avoided Care
Most respondents could afford basic care, but costs became a problem for services like dental care. High supplementary insurance premiums meant many people opted out, leading them to avoid necessary dental treatment. This often resulted in more serious health problems—and higher eventual costs. The same applied to frequent hospital visits, where rising taxi fares and parking fees became unaffordable for some.
Participants also expressed frustration about the impersonal nature of the healthcare system. They felt like “just a number,” with rushed consultations and little room to explain their problems fully. This led to stress, misdiagnoses, and unnecessary referrals—making care more expensive and less effective in the long run.
A Call for Simpler, Fairer Care
Zorgbelang Groningen warns that those with limited digital skills, small social networks, or lower incomes are being left behind. The organisation calls for more personal, nearby care—such as local district nurses—and clearer, simpler communication.
People want accessible, understandable, and humane care. They also want a stronger voice in their own treatment and less power in the hands of health insurers.
Zorgbelang Groningen is now in talks with healthcare providers to explore improvements. The key goal is to ensure that everyone in Groningen, regardless of background or ability, can get the care they need.