Guest Blog by James Lawson,Vascular surgeon
When Dr Gajraj invited me to write a post in his blog, I asked him “who are your audience, patients or colleagues.?” His answer was short: “Patients of course!” When you take a thorough look at his website you know that he is a real patient “ teacher”. With his personal way of writing and multimedia content he wants his patients to understand the possible outcomes and advantages of treating varicose veins properly. Most doctors and surgeons do not make as much effort as he does to communicate with the public and I think they should. Unfortunately, patients with varicose veins still need to be convinced that they should seek professional advice and treatment at an early stage and members of the public are unsure where to get help. In the Netherlands, treatment of serious vein problems is provided by a publicly-funded healthcare system. The family doctor or general physician is the “gatekeeper” to specialists and other medical resources. He or she sees the patient first, investigates them to identify their healthcare needs and refers the patient to services that effectively meet those needs. Without referral, specialized care is not reimbursed.
So in my country, we make a big effort to form professional relationships with the “gate keepers” keeping them up to date with the latest on vein treatments. For example, our clinic is collaborating with “the first line” in venous ulcer care. We train specialist nurses who work in primary care.
However, the future role of the primary physicians is a difficult one and it is uncertain if it will be sustained in the upcoming revolution of health care. The digital revolution (“Dr Google”) delivers medical knowledge directly to patients. Technical innovations will bring affordable specialised medical care through communicating health apps, physical diagnostic and measurement tools etc. Patients’ smart phones will be the gateway instead of the primary physician.
As Lucien van Engelen (Dutch Medical Innovator) stated in his Linkedin blog : “we are on the intersection of clinical excellence and consumer/patient engagement in the way the Apple’s of the world have great track records in”.
Big agglomerates of all-in-one hospitals will disappear. Networks of very specialized high volume vein centres will deliver excellent care and treatment of all kinds of venous problems by very experienced teams. They are value-driven and so affordable for the health plans of reimbursed care and private patients.
Only well informed patients will receive the best care!
James Lawson of Skin and Vein Clinic Oosterwal
Skin and Vein Clinic Oosterwal is a highly specialized centre with different locations in the northwest of the Netherlands and Amsterdam . Since 25 years Oosterwal centre offers the highest quality in the field of Phlebology and Skin Diseases . It is a ultra modern clinic that has been set up as a medical facility in which one feels more at ease. High quality care in a comforting environment ensures that our patients are very satisfied. In Centre Oosterwal you can count on personal and professional care by experienced and dedicated specialists. A full time quality manager is taken care of a safe setting with high quality standards
Many new developments are implemented if own applied science projects are proving benefit .
In 2011 Oosterwal Centre was chosen by health professionals as Top Clinic of the Year in the Netherlands .
Miletus Foundation ( a scientific alliance of health insurers ) conducts nationwide standardized questionnaires and benchmark measurements like the so-called Consumer Quality Index , Net Promoter Score and Proms questionnaires (Patient Reported Outcome Measure). Oosterwal Centre belongs to the top ten centres concerning Consumer Quality and Patient related outcomes.
You can take a look inside by a digital walk through our main Clinic
Now, if you’re worried about your veins and would like a confidential chat please do get in touch. Our advisors are very happy to offer simple advice by telephone or email for free and without obligation. You can call and book an appointment direct without a referral from your GP on 01935 873951.
The VeinCare Centre also offers a screening assessment with our vascular technologist. For £25 you can have a scan with Wendy Parsons. She is not a doctor and so she cannot give you medical advice but she can check your deep veins and your varicose veins and give you an idea of how bad they are. If you would like to have an appointment with Wendy please call 01935 873 951