Conflicts in healthcare
Conflicts in the healthcare sector require a knowledgeable and careful approach. A healthcare dispute often extends beyond a purely legal disagreement. It may undermine the relationship of trust between a patient and a healthcare professional, place strain on collaboration within a medical partnership or specialist department, or adversely affect the continuity and quality of care. Employment disputes and governance conflicts may likewise have significant consequences for the continuity and quality of healthcare services.
Proceedings before a complaints committee or a court do not necessarily provide the most appropriate solution. Mediation offers the parties the opportunity to engage in confidential discussions, to explore the underlying interests at stake, and to work together towards a sustainable and mutually acceptable resolution.
As an MfN-registered mediator, I assist patients, healthcare professionals and healthcare organisations in resolving disputes. In doing so, I combine nearly three decades of experience as a lawyer with my expertise as a mediator. This combination enables me to appreciate not only the legal aspects of a dispute, but also the human interests that invariably play an important role.
Types of healthcare disputes
I provide mediation services in, among other matters:
Even where a complaint is at risk of developing into formal proceedings, mediation can provide an effective alternative.
Mediation and the Dutch Healthcare Quality, Complaints and Disputes Act (Wkkgz)
The Dutch Healthcare Quality, Complaints and Disputes Act (Wet kwaliteit, klachten en geschillen zorg – Wkkgz) encourages the careful and accessible handling of complaints. Although mediation is not a statutory requirement, it is fully consistent with the objectives of the Act. Mediation may be used before, during or after a complaints procedure and frequently contributes to restoring trust and preventing further escalation.
Collaboration disputen in healthcare
When collaboration comes under pressure
High-quality healthcare begins with effective collaboration. Within hospitals, medical partnerships, specialist departments, primary care practices and other healthcare organisations, trust, communication and mutual respect are essential. When working relationships deteriorate, the consequences often extend to the organisation as a whole and ultimately affect the quality of patient care. Timely and experienced guidance can prevent further escalation.
I assist healthcare professionals, board members and healthcare organisations in complex collaboration disputes. Depending on the circumstances, I act either as legal counsel or as an independent MfN-registered mediator.
Common collaboration disputes
I provide assistance in, among other matters:
Experience in complex relationships
Collaboration disputes are often characterised by a combination of legal, organisational and interpersonal factors. Drawing on my experience as both a lawyer and an MfN-registered mediator, I am able to analyse these various interests with care and to guide the parties towards solutions that are both legally sound and practically sustainable.
Why choose me?
Every mediation is unique and requires a tailored approach. In the healthcare sector, legal issues are frequently accompanied by emotions, professional responsibility and long-standing working relationships.
I distinguish myself through the combination of legal expertise, extensive mediation experience and a practical, solution-oriented approach. I guide parties independently, with care and with respect for the interests of everyone involved. The focus is not on determining who is right, but on identifying a solution that is sustainable, workable and acceptable for all parties.
Confidentiality
As an MfN-registered mediator, I am bound by the professional rules of conduct of the MfN. All discussions are confidential. The parties retain full control over the outcome of the mediation; the mediator’s role is limited to facilitating the process.