Frisius MC: three members of board of directors appointed

Medical Center Leeuwarden and hospital Tjongerschans will continue together as Frisius MC from January 1, 2025. The supervisory boards (rvc) of MCL and Tjongerschans have appointed three directors for the new board of directors (rvb). Tjeerd Rijpma, Patrick Vink and Jan Martin Wijnsma will all be members of the rvb from January 1, 2025. Ultimately, the intention is to have a four-member board. For the fourth director, who will also be chairman of the rvb, an external procedure will be started.  

Composition of board of directors

The new rvb is largely formed by directors already working at both hospitals. Cees Bijl, chairman of the rvc of MCL and Tjongerschans, among others, values continuity and stability. "As rvc, we are pleased to have been able to appoint these directors for Frisius MC. The continuation of the incumbent directors is crucial for the continuity and stability of Frisius MC. Their deep knowledge of the organizations and proven leadership will enable us to seamlessly continue our strategic goals. At a time when healthcare is constantly evolving, their experience and dedication provides a solid foundation to continue to innovate and deliver high-quality care. We are confident that their continued commitment will help us successfully address tomorrow's challenges." 

Tjeerd Rijpma will join the rvb of Frisius MC as of January 1. Rijpma joined the rvb of Tjongerschans in 2023 on an ad interim basis. Rijpma comes from within the hospital's own ranks. He has been employed by Tjongerschans as board secretary since 2007. Before Rijpma came to Tjongerschans, he worked in various positions for the municipality of Leeuwarden for 12 years. Rijpma's portfolio will include merger and transition.

Patrick Vink will also join the rvb of Frisius MC as of January 1. He knows Leeuwarden Medical Center (MCL), hospital Tjongerschans and the Frisian healthcare landscape well. Vink worked at MCL from 1993-2008 in various staff and management positions. He then continued his career at Tjongerschans, where he became director-director in 2015. In 2018, Vink returned to MCL as chairman of the rvb. Vink's portfolio includes organization, operations and quality.

Jan Martin Wijnsma will also become a member of the rvb of Frisius MC as of January 1. Wijnsma also has extensive experience in the hospital world. He has been managing director of hospital Tjongerschans since 2018, succeeding Vink at the time. Wijnsma previously worked, since 2002, as financial controller in Tjongerschans and was a member of the Administrative Team. Within Frisius MC, Wijnsma's portfolio will include finance.

These three appointments mark an important step in the merger process. The position of the fourth director remains open for now. 

Departing directors

Ben van Miltenburg, currently a member of the MCL board of directors, will leave the board effective September 1. Now that the merger is final, his administrative interim assignment comes to an end. Willem Lenglet, MCL board member, is also leaving the board and will retire at the end of the year.