Spitting, kicking, punching, intimidation, and death threats are all actions after which a hospital might blacklist someone. The number of patients that were blacklisted this last year is rising, with at least 281 times recorded, and the number is climbing even further in 2026, according to an RTL survey of 41 Dutch hospitals.

In the first seven months of 2026, the hospitals had already issued at least 205 bans, compared to 281 in the whole of last year. Seven hospitals have already handed out more bans in 2026 than they did last year.

Hospitals cannot simply stop treating a patient. “The law says caregivers can only terminate a treatment agreement for compelling reason – for example, violence or serious boundary-crossing behavior that harms the caregiver’s well-being,” Martin Buijsen, professor of health law at Erasmus University Rotterdam, told RTL. The behavior must be deemed serious, and a hospital must first try other measures, such as issuing a warning.

“Agressive behavior often starts when people are in a stressful or emotional situation,” a spokesperson for Noordwest Hospital Group said. “Worry about a loved one, uncertainty about treatment, disappointment, long waits, or the effects of illness can play a role. Confused behavior, mental health problems, or substance use also contribute. At the same time, aggression toward care workers is never acceptable, whatever the case.”

According to the survey, many hospitals say visitors have become more demanding. “We notice patients and visitors have a short fuse,” said Rijnstate Hospital in Arnhem. “They get emotional quickly when expectations are not met. The polarization in society that leads to coarser behaviour – we see that in our hospitals too.”

The Dutch Patients Federation called aggression towards hospital workers unacceptable. “Hospital visits are often stressful, and we often hear that communication and information fall short. Clear, timely communication can stop tensions from escalating.”

“Our concern is that employees decide to leave this work because of the rise in disrespect and aggression. That can make staff shortages even worse. As citizens we have a precious asset to protect together.”

“We see aggression in health care as a societal problem that needs national measures,” Rijnstate said. Police often drop complaints due to a lack of capacity, which “leaves us as a care institution in an awkward position.” As long as national measures do not come, people who report incidents do not feel taken seriously.”

Some hospitals appeared to the public through RTL. “Society has an important role in reducing aggression against care workers. Together we must make clear that violence against people who care for others is never acceptable.”