haarlemsdagbladMay 7, 2026, 17:15

Ramona is terminally ill, but there is hope: a drug in Belgium. The only problem: it costs over 100,000 euros, and she doesn't have it

48-year-old Ramona Dolron from Haarlem has launched a crowdfunding campaign to pay for a life-extending breast cancer treatment in Belgium costing over €100,000. The medication is currently not covered by health insurance in the Netherlands, despite being reimbursed for her specific type of cancer in many other European countries.

Politics Health Haarlem Netherlands

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Based on reporting by haarlemsdagblad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Concerns over ending emergency care in Hoofddorp? Information evening draws few visitors

The Spaarne Gasthuis hospital plans to centralize 24-hour emergency care in Haarlem-Zuid by 2033, effectively closing the emergency department in Hoofddorp. Despite significant public and political backlash regarding travel times, a recent information evening in Hoofddorp drew very few attendees.

Haarlem takes financial risk with new Spaarne Gasthuis construction

Haarlem is assuming significant financial risk by providing a 100 million euro guarantee and committing to purchase the current hospital site for 25 million euros to keep the Spaarne Gasthuis in the city. The initiative ensures 24-hour emergency care remains in Haarlem, though the city has deferred requirements for building staff housing.

Concerns in Haarlemmermeer as emergency care moves to Haarlem

The Spaarne Gasthuis will move its emergency and inpatient services from Hoofddorp to a new location in Haarlem by 2033 to better manage staffing shortages. Local officials in Haarlemmermeer are critical of the decision, fearing that the loss of full-service care will negatively impact the region's rapidly growing population.

Support for chemsex issues collapses after closure of Stichting Mainline

The closure of Stichting Mainline has severely limited accessible support services for individuals in Amsterdam facing problems related to chemsex. Healthcare providers are now sounding the alarm, warning that the loss of this specialized care leaves a vulnerable group without adequate prevention and assistance.

Cold weather claims 140 lives in Haarlem annually, where the risk is highest

Cold weather causes approximately 140 deaths annually in Haarlem, contributing to over 10,000 cold-related fatalities across the Netherlands each year. Research by the RIVM highlights that vulnerable elderly populations in specific neighborhoods face significantly higher mortality risks due to factors like energy poverty.