Dutch Mental Health Provider GGNet Launches Digital Care Support
Gelderland, Friday, 14 March 2025.
GGNet, a Dutch mental health provider, launched a digital care initiative on March 13, 2025, enhancing psychiatric patient support with innovative technologies, aiming to improve access and streamline care processes.
Comprehensive Digital Support Infrastructure
The initiative spans across multiple locations including Apeldoorn, Doetinchem, Zutphen, Zevenaar, Winterswijk, and the main facility in Warnsveld, where approximately 2,100 employees and 140 volunteers work to support mental health services [1]. The program’s primary focus is on providing personal support for digital care tools, including assistance with portal access, video call setup, and health app utilization [1]. A key component of this digital transformation is the integration of Minddistrict, an online portal that enables clients to access their medical files and engage with treatment resources [1].
Enhanced Patient Care and Accessibility
GGNet’s digital initiative represents a significant advancement in mental healthcare delivery, designed to serve 18,000 people with serious psychiatric disorders and their families [1]. The program emphasizes patient autonomy in recovery processes while ensuring comprehensive support through multiple channels including telephone, email, and chat services [1]. Carmen Nijhuis, director at GGNet, emphasizes that digital care can significantly enhance patient control over their recovery journey, provided it is accessible and well-supported [1].
Technological Innovation and Implementation
The implementation involves collaboration with technical experts, including support from imec the Netherlands, an organization with over 130 researchers specializing in healthcare technology innovations [4]. The initiative builds on contemporary healthcare trends, incorporating secure messaging systems, video consultations, and online self-assessment tools [3]. To ensure seamless adoption, GGNet has established a dedicated landing page offering practical self-help manuals and support resources for clients [1].
Future Outlook and Healthcare Integration
The program is positioned as part of a broader strategy to address increasing mental health service demands [3]. Healthcare professionals and administrative staff can now redirect technical queries to the Digital Care Helpdesk, allowing them to focus more effectively on direct patient care [1]. According to Merlijne Sonneveld, founder and director of Helpdesk Digital Care, the initiative aims to ensure that digital care becomes an accessible and beneficial tool for all users, regardless of their technological proficiency [1].