Start of LUMC Campus The Hague
LUMC Campus The Hague will be contributing to the health of the inhabitants of The Hague with research, teaching and a training programme for GPs. The new campus is an initiative of the LUMC, Leiden University, the hospitals in The Hague, the Area Health Authority and the municipality of The Hague.
The parties aim to address urban health issues in the area of The Hague, and will be working on innovations in healthcare, medical training and patient-oriented research. There will also be a new GP training programme in The Hague. These plans are part of the University's strategy of strengthening research at its second location in The Hague and making a contribution on social issues. The start signal was given for the new LUMC Campus at a meeting of the parties at Campus in The Hague on 17 March 2016.
Collaboration, prevention and innovation
'LUMC Campus The Hague will not be a provider of care, but will use its academic expertise and teaching to assist in resolving health problems experienced by the residents of The Hague,' commented Pancras Hogendoorn, member of the Executive Board and Dean of the LUMC. These issues could range from research on obesity to conditions relating to ageing and diabetes - all widespread problems that are prevalent in the region of The Hague. 'We want to work together, exchange innovative ideas and develop best practices, including across such areas as public health and eHealth.'
Health issues
The municipality of The Hague is very enthusiastic about these developments. 'This Campus is a new step in the collaboration between Leiden University and the city of The Hague. As well as programmes in the field of public administration, peace, law and security, new programmes are now being developed in the field of health issues. The city and its inhabitants will benefit enormously from the research that will be carried out at the Campus. All in all, we are very happy with the arrival of the LUMC. The collaboration will generate significant innovations in care in the local area,' commented Ingrid van Engelshoven, alderman for the Knowledge Economy, International Affairs, Youth and Education.
Health benefits for patients
The local hospitals also welcome the presence of the LUMC The Hague. 'This move will allow us to make clear improvements in healthcare in the city,' commented Renée Barge, member of the Board of Bronovo Medical Centre. Dr Karel Rondaij, rheumatologist and medical director of HagaZiekenhuis, added: 'Together we can achieve greater health benefits for the region's patients and and for its inhabitants in general. It's about innovation in developing health processes such as early diagnostics and personalised care, prevention programmes and technology. Joint research and teaching programmes on societal issues will also generate health benefits.'
About LUMC Campus The Hague
The initiators of LUMC Campus The Hague aim to use their expertise and netwerks to help address complex health problems of vulnerable groups in the population in an urban, multi-ethnic environment. The LUMC and the STZ hospitals (a partnership of leading clinical hospitals in the region of The Hague) are already working together in the Leiden Training and Education Region (OOR Leiden), and city of The Hague is an integral part of this collaboration.