WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao Health Inspectorate (Inspectie voor de Volksgezondheid) has recommended that the Huisartsenpost Curaçao (HAP) — the central after-hours medical service — move its morning handover of patients to general practitioners from 10:00 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. The adjustment, outlined in a new inspection report following visits in June and September, is intended to improve continuity of care.
According to the report, the HAP operates effectively and meets all legal standards. It has sufficient medical staff, well-trained personnel, and modern diagnostic equipment. The Inspectorate also praised the cooperation between the HAP, the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC), and local general practitioners.
Continuity of Care
The Inspectorate noted that nearly all general practitioners on the island—except for four—are affiliated with the HAP. Each evening, they transfer responsibility for their patients to on-duty physicians who handle nighttime emergencies. The next morning, the handover of patient information occurs.
Currently, that exchange happens at 10:00 a.m., but the Inspectorate concluded that the late timing causes delays in care continuity. Moving the handover to 8:15 a.m. would ensure that doctors receive updated information about their patients earlier in the day.
Improved Communication Between HAP and Family Doctors
A second recommendation concerns communication between HAP doctors and general practitioners during on-call shifts. While most handovers occur digitally, some physicians expressed a preference for more direct contact with the on-duty doctor. The Inspectorate advised strengthening this communication structure to facilitate more efficient exchanges.
The report, signed by Inspector Servin Keli, details that the HAP employs fifteen doctors and twenty-two triage assistants. It follows the medical protocols of the Dutch College of General Practitioners (NHG) and operates its own emergency vehicle with a driver from the ambulance service for home visits. Both doctors and assistants receive weekly training, and staff will soon undertake internships at the CMC emergency department.
Why It Matters
The recommendations are significant because the HAP is Curaçao’s only central point of contact for urgent care outside of office hours. The post operates from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekdays and around the clock during weekends. An earlier handover would allow medical records to be updated sooner and ensure that general practitioners remain informed about their patients’ overnight treatment. Strengthening direct communication between on-duty and primary doctors could also further enhance the quality and responsiveness of Curaçao’s urgent care system.
