ZWIC in the Netherlands - two surgeons place focus on the frontline

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Founded by two surgeons shortly after the pandemic’s outbreak, ZWIC is the ‘care for those working in corona (COVID-19)’, providing financial support to frontline care providers, who are often the most exposed.

Based out of UMC Utrecht, Marijn Houwert and Sander Muijs, noticed early on that as the virus spread, hospital staff were already showing signs of concern, not just for themselves but also those dependent on them, their families.

Common worries included, ‘What happens to me or my family if I will end up in intensive care (IC)?’ or even worse, ‘pass away as a result of the COVID-19 virus, how will this affect my future?’

“During the pandemic healthcare workers worked long and hard hours, closely with COVID-19 patients, on different wards in hospitals or in nursing homes. They had and still have an increased risk of developing a COVID-19 infection themselves,” said Houwert, on the perils of working in such an environment.

“During the pandemic healthcare workers worked long and hard hours, closely with COVID-19 patients"

Marijn Houwert,  ZWIC Foundation

“Most of them do not have the financial possibilities for proper financial insurances or other arrangements. Especially at the beginning of the pandemic a lot of things were unknown and uncertain,” added Muijs, causing sincere concerns that both surgeons wanted to address.

For three groups working in the hospital - nurses, physician assistants and the acute team (consists of ambulance and operating teams) the help will be most critical. “Sander and I work on a daily basis with these people who are now in the front line in the hospital. They now work under conditions beyond the norm, outside their comfort zone and under high pressure,” added Houwert. “The fund is intended as financial support should something happen to them.”

“I'd like to commend the efforts of both surgeons and those who they have inspired to do likewise,” said Talal Al-Marri, President of Aramco Europe, which has headquarters in The Hague. “Without individuals who go above and beyond their daily duties, support in times of crisis would simply not be the same. Aramco has a longstanding relationship here in the Netherlands, through our operations and outreach, and we didn't hesitate to respond when the opportunity to support ZWIC arose.”

“Without individuals who go above and beyond their daily duties, support in times of crisis would simply not be the same."

Talal Al-Marri, President and CEO of Aramco Europe

Through Aramco's support, financial aid has been allocated to healthcare staff and with €3 million raised by ZWIC overall, the hope is to help many more. In addition, all donations made with be doubled by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports.

Through affiliate Aramco Europe, the Company has been active in the Netherlands for more than half a century, supporting key operations in Saudi. It has also become home to leading citizenship initiatives, supporting initiatives from sports through to the arts, and now medical needs during these challenging times.

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