Netherlands struggles with unequal postnatal care amid staff shortages

Postnatal care in the Netherlands is facing growing challenges as staff shortages and unequal access persist. A new report highlights that many families, particularly in certain regions, receive fewer hours of support than needed. Health authorities are now pushing for changes to better match care with actual demand rather than fixed allocations. The number of postnatal care hours has been falling for years, with the sharpest declines seen in South Limburg and Zeeland. In these areas, some families received over seven fewer hours on average compared to previous years. Staff shortages in these regions have made the problem worse.

Research also shows a clear divide in care between vulnerable and non-vulnerable households. Around 21% of vulnerable families received fewer than 24 hours of postnatal support, while only 8% of non-vulnerable families experienced the same shortfall. The RIVM will investigate this disparity further in 2024 to understand why certain groups consistently receive less care. The Zorginstituut Nederland has called for a shift in how postnatal care is provided. Instead of a fixed number of hours, they argue for a system that adapts to each family's specific needs. This change aims to ensure fairer access and better support for new parents across the country.

The push for flexible postnatal care comes as regional shortages and unequal distribution remain unresolved. With ongoing research and proposed reforms, authorities hope to address the gaps in support for new families. The outcome could reshape how care is allocated in the years ahead.