Neurologist shortage threatens care for stroke and dementia

The Netherlands has a growing shortage of neurologists, and hospital care for conditions such as dementia, stroke and Parkinson’s could come under strain as a result, the Dutch neurologists’ association has warned.

The population is ageing, which means more patients with age-related neurological conditions, and medical advances mean far more conditions can now be treated than in the past.

“That makes the work challenging, but all those treatment methods bring a greater demand for care with them,” association chairman Erwin Hoogervorst told broadcaster NOS.

At the same time, too few new neurologists are being trained to replace retirees.

The consequences are already visible, with one hospital having stopped taking on new neurology patients when its waiting list for a first appointment reached 1,200 people and waits of up to 18 months.

The number of training places is rising from 49 this year to 60 next year, but the six-year specialisation means the extra doctors will not reach hospitals until 2032.
The Dutch care sector is forecast to be 266,000 workers short by 2035.