Limburg prosecutors act after record violence against healthcare staff

Authorities in Limburg have introduced new measures after a record number of attacks on healthcare workers last year. The public prosecutor’s office, local police and Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg (ZOL) have agreed on a new system to report and handle aggression more quickly and in a uniform way.

In 2025, ZOL recorded 305 cases of aggression against staff across its hospitals in Genk, Maaseik and Lanaken. This marks a sharp rise from previous years, with just 46 cases in 2020. The incidents included 99 cases of physical violence, 118 of verbal abuse and 87 involving both.

The new arrangements aim to ensure faster communication between the hospital, police and prosecutors. Complaints will no longer be quietly dropped, and offenders can expect legal action. “Aggressive behaviour towards healthcare workers is unacceptable”, said ZOL chairman Tom Arts. He stressed that hospitals cannot tackle the problem alone.

Police chiefs from the three local zones said the agreement would improve support for staff both inside hospitals and during interventions. The prosecutor’s office added that every report will be taken seriously, sending a clear message that violence against caregivers will not be tolerated.

^{#FlandersNewsService | BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM}