The whistle-blower of the Amsterdam Hospital VUmc is fighting back in court

It all started with the surgeons of the department Lung Surgery Department in the University Hospital VUmc quarreling. It went to such an extent that it endangered the safety of patients.

Piet Postmus MD, a residing lung surgeon, was so concerned, that he became a whistle-blower and informed the Supervisory Board as well as the Inspection of National Health.

The latter confirmed that the management of the Hospital had withheld crucial information and started monitoring the VUmc. The Hospital will enjoy unannounced checks during the coming 6 months. Even Minister Schippers of National Health Care labeled the situation at the Hospital as “unacceptable”.

However, the Board (and management) did not see any reason to resign, since matters could be solved internally. They also were taking measures - the first being to suspend (and fire) the whistle-blower Postmus.

He promptly turned to the courts, demanding that he will be able to resume working. Pending the court’s decision about his firing, he hopes that the two new members of the Board will have a fresh perspective of what was and is going on in the Hospital.

Postmus is getting more and more support from his colleagues, former colleagues and medical personnel. There is even a dedicated website to support Postmus, who is also a Professor Lung Diseases.

It will be interesting to see how the court will decide.

(Photo courtesy of Hollandse Hoogte / Peter Hilz)