Halle – Two urologists at AZ Sint-Maria Halle were summarily dismissed after allegedly ignoring evacuation orders during a chemical spill on June 20, 2025, amidst growing concerns about hospital safety protocols and staff accountability, reports 24brussels.
The incident occurred in the hospital’s day clinic, leading the governing council to review the doctors’ actions. After deliberations on June 25, the council deemed their breach of protocol severe enough to warrant dismissal.
Hospital officials emphasized that prioritizing patient and colleague safety is paramount. Despite the firings, services in urology have continued uninterrupted, with AZ Sint-Maria collaborating with institutions in Aalst and Brussels to ensure a smooth transition. A new urologist is set to commence on September 1, 2025, with another following in October 2025.
“After 27 and 16 years of service, without ever receiving a negative evaluation, they were summarily dismissed. They weren’t even given the chance to give their version of events.”
– Benjamin Herman, lawyer for the dismissed urologists
What happened after 2 urologists were fired at Halle’s AZ Sint-Maria?
Attorney Benjamin Herman characterized the hospital’s narrative as “hallucinatory,” citing apparent procedural flaws in how safety measures were enacted. He argued that the urologists, who had exemplary records, were not afforded an opportunity to defend themselves before the council’s decision.
“They were never given the chance to explain their side of the story. That is a clear violation of their rights,”
Herman asserted, accentuating his clients’ dismay over the lack of formal representation or response following the accusations.
Furthermore, he criticized the hospital’s emergency procedures, pointing out that the alarm codes necessary for a proper evacuation were not activated. Herman contended that if the hazardous materials had been handled correctly, the chemical incident could have been avoided.
“My clients did indeed follow the evacuation order. They were notified by phone by an employee who relayed instructions from the Flemish Brabant West fire department. That was once, not five times as the hospital claims. After that, they left the building,”
Herman explained.
The urologists are challenging their termination in Brussels court, with proceedings scheduled for September 2, 2025. The court will decide whether they can temporarily resume their roles at AZ Sint-Maria while the case is pending.
According to Herman, his clients are resolute in their determination to safeguard their professional reputations and legal rights, voicing broader concerns regarding hospital disciplinary practices and safety compliance.
“We are requesting that the decision be suspended so they can return to work at the hospital,”
he stated.
The chemical spill incident at AZ Sint-Maria on June 20 involved a cleaning crew member accidentally releasing a hazardous substance, prompting an evacuation order to protect patients and staff. Reports indicate that during the emergency, the urologists continued providing care, neglecting multiple evacuation directives delivered by hospital staff.
General Manager Nick Marlain reported that five staff members directly advised the urologists to evacuate, drawing attention to the severity of their inaction amid a critical situation.
