Ernst Jansen Steur

Dutch neurologist

Ernst Jansen Steur

Ernst Jansen Steur (born 24 October 1945) is a Dutch former neurologist who became widely known due to a medical scandal involving misdiagnoses and malpractice. His case raised significant concerns about medical oversight and patient safety in the Netherlands.

Early Life and Education

Ernst Jansen Steur was born in Hengelo, Netherlands. He pursued his medical education at the University of Groningen, where he specialized in neurology. After completing his studies, Jansen Steur began his medical career with a focus on neurological disorders.

Medical Career

Jansen Steur worked as a neurologist at the Medisch Spectrum Twente (MST) hospital in Enschede, where he gained a reputation for his work in diagnosing complex neurological conditions. However, his career took a controversial turn when it was discovered that he had been misdiagnosing patients with serious conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.

Scandal and Legal Proceedings

The scandal surrounding Jansen Steur emerged in the early 2000s when patients and their families began to question the accuracy of his diagnoses. Investigations revealed that he had made numerous incorrect diagnoses, leading to unnecessary treatments and significant distress for patients and their families.

In 2004, Jansen Steur resigned from his position at MST amid growing scrutiny. The case gained national attention, prompting discussions about the need for improved medical oversight and patient protection mechanisms in the Netherlands.

In 2010, Jansen Steur was arrested in Germany and extradited to the Netherlands to face charges of malpractice. In 2014, he was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm and was sentenced to three years in prison. The case highlighted the importance of accountability and transparency in the medical profession.

Impact on Medical Practice

The Jansen Steur case had a profound impact on the Dutch healthcare system. It led to reforms aimed at enhancing the monitoring of medical professionals and ensuring that patients receive accurate diagnoses and appropriate care. The case also underscored the need for effective communication between healthcare providers and patients.

Later Life

After serving his sentence, Jansen Steur has largely remained out of the public eye. His case continues to be cited in discussions about medical ethics and the responsibilities of healthcare professionals.

Related Pages

• Medical ethics
• Patient safety
• Neurology
• Healthcare in the Netherlands