Brabant takes step towards treatment center for Q fever, QFS and post-COVID

The province of North Brabant is the region where relatively many people have been affected by Q fever and long-term complaints after COVID-19. Despite previous efforts, including a bidbook for Bernhoven and strong lobbying towards the national government, national support has so far been lacking. The Ombudsman previously called this a missed opportunity.

“We fully endorse this assessment,” says Deputy Saskia Boelema. “North Brabant takes responsibility for the people who have received insufficient recognition and appropriate care since the Q fever epidemic and COVID-19. Health must come before growth, as we showed earlier with the goat moratorium. In our administrative agreement, we agreed that Brabant supports the initiative for a treatment center. Our efforts for this center continue in full and with the roundtable we take the next step. Brabant remains committed to the arrival of the treatment center, preferably in Bernhoven. This shows that cooperation and innovation lead to recovery and social added value.”

Contributions

The meeting focused on one message: care must come closer to the patient. Not in a university medical center (UMC), but in the region, within reach of primary care. The program offered space for both personal stories and substantive depth. A poignant film fragment of Neeltje, a QFS patient, showed the great impact of long-term complaints on daily life. Caroline van Kessel (chair of the patient organization Q-uestion) pointed to the need for recognition and cooperation. Alfons Olde Loohuis (medical advisor Q- and C-support) discussed medical treatment and the need for specialist knowledge and customization. And Simone Gielen (Board of Directors Bernhoven hospital) presented proposals for the organization and financing of the treatment center, where cooperation with national parties such as VWS and health insurers is essential.

Care closer to the patient

What is certain is that patients remain ill for a long time and experience a poor quality of life. They deserve care and support close to home. A center between primary and secondary care seems ideal for this. The role of health insurers is crucial. Research shows that many general practitioners are hesitant: they often do not know how to help these patients. As a result, problems accumulate. In extreme despair, patients sometimes choose suicide. This underscores the necessity of accessible, regional care.

Alderman Pieter Paul Slikker of the municipality of ’s-Hertogenbosch: “Everyone waits and points fingers. We must break the impasse with courage. These patients deserve perspective; not tomorrow, but today.”

Attention to patients and their voice

The session was also attended by the new Q fever ambassador Cathalijne Dortmans. “Brabant chooses recognition, acknowledgment, and action. As ambassador, I want to ensure that patients get a voice and face in policy. Not about them but with them. I see it as my task to build bridges, maintain focus, and stimulate action. Brabant is the logical place for a treatment center. Nowhere have so many people been affected.”

Concrete agreements and next steps

Under the leadership of Pia Dijkstra, the participants concluded that the current healthcare system falls short. New diseases do not fit into existing boxes and require a new way of working. The emphasis must be on appropriate care, not endless discussions about evidence. A working group will develop concrete next steps in the coming months: organizing start-up funding, drafting a plan for sustainable financing, and appointing a coordinator to manage the substantive, financial, and legal aspects. “We must make the healthcare system work for us,” said Deputy Boelema. “With a clear course, cooperation, and courage, we can realize this center.”