Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep is working on a future-proof hospital in three phases

What will the world look like 30 years from now? This is a difficult question, also for Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep. Jurgen Sernee, member of the Executive Board: ‘The demand for care in this region is expected to increase by about 40 per cent until 2040, while staffing levels will remain the same or even continue to decline. That’s why we’re working on a transformation plan to provide efficient and appropriate care.’ To this end, the hospital works together with other care providers in the region, for example with general practitioners, physiotherapists and home carers. With this transformation and the construction of the new premises, the organisation hopes to cope with the rising care demand and the current shortage of staff.

Flexibility and phasing

A number of buildings at the Alkmaar location were very outdated. But building an entirely new hospital in one go? The hospital group did not feel that was the right approach. ‘Flexibility is very important to us. By dividing the construction of the new premises into three phases, we’re anticipating a future that is as yet unknown,’ says Sernee. ‘This makes us versatile. That said, the construction of the new premises is an enormous puzzle – not only in terms of architecture, but also of technology and people: our employees and our patients.’ The construction of the new premises is expected to be completed around 2040. By then, the current hospital will have given way to a completely new building. Sernee: ‘The local area also plays an important role in this construction project. The construction of the hospital provides work for contractors and people from the region. They tell us that they’re proud to help build their own hospital. It’s great to see how we can make an additional social contribution in this way.’

Plain-speaking North Hollanders

BNG Bank is crucial for financing the hospital’s future plans. Adri Zwagerman, finance and treasury strategy consultant at Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep, praises the smooth cooperation: ‘BNG Bank is a bank that does very well and professionally what you expect from a bank: banking. We’re plain-speaking North Hollanders, which is a good match with BNG.’ Selma Huizer, relationship manager at BNG Bank, confirms this: ‘Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep is clear and transparent in its communication. This reflects the mentality of North Hollanders: they don’t beat about the bush, but clearly state what they think and need. This allows us to shift gears quickly.’ Zwagerman emphasises the competitive financing conditions of BNG Bank and appreciates the flexibility in financing. ‘BNG always approaches us with genuine interest.’ 

Sustainability

The contact with BNG Bank is not only about finance, but also about such matters as sustainability. The construction of the hospital meets the usual high demands in this regard. Zwagerman: ‘Sustainability is a unifying theme within our organisation. We have Green Teams thinking about how we can do our work more sustainably. In 2023, 70% of the food options for patients were vegetarian. In Den Helder, we have a solar park of six hectares, with 19,000 solar panels. The hospital runs entirely on green electricity.’ From the moment the plans for the construction of the new premises were launched, Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep intended to complete the project in three phases. Huizer: ‘Noordwest has demonstrated that it thinks carefully about sustainability and the health care system of the future. We as a bank really appreciate that this awareness of the future exists.’

Banking is about trust

Like any renovation, the project has gone through highs and lows. The high point: the topping-out of phase one of the new premises. And the lows? Zwagerman: ‘The partnership has proven itself during difficult periods, such as the coronavirus pandemic and uncertain market conditions. We trust each other.’ What has also contributed to the smooth cooperation is the continued presence of the same contact persons on both sides. Huizer: ‘We still do business with the same people as we did years ago. I attach great value to personal contact. After all, banking is something you do when sitting around the table together: banking is about trust.’