The new swine flu outpatient clinic at Amsterdam's Slotervaart Hospital contradicts national health policy. Health Minister Ab Klink calls it "superfluous," and general practitioners share his concerns.
Yesterday, the hospital launched its specialized outpatient clinic for individuals suspecting swine flu (H1N1) infection. Doctors assess patients via a targeted questionnaire and throat swab test, providing a preliminary high-risk indication within an hour and confirmatory results within a day. Referrals can come from general practitioners, or patients may self-present.
Per the latest National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) guidelines, testing is reserved for high-risk groups: the seriously ill, those over 65, pregnant women, children under five, diabetes patients, and individuals with weakened immune systems. This reflects the typically mild course of the virus. However, Slotervaart Hospital tests anyone with suspected symptoms, arguing the policy is overly cautious and seeking to ease public anxiety.
Minister Klink reiterated today that the flu clinic is "superfluous." "I recommend everyone: go to your doctor," he stated. The Royal Dutch Medical Association echoes this: "If people feel ill, they should stay home and call their GP to avoid infecting others," a spokesperson told de Volkskrant.
