There are currently 12 recognised national groups/regional forums affiliated to the EBMT Nurses Group, which aim to expand activities at a national and international level. In this article, learn more about the Dutch Nurse Group.
The Tumour Working Group (TWG) Haematology continues to make great strides in advancing haematology care, fostering collaboration and enhancing professional development. The following summarises the recent progress and ongoing initiatives.
Leadership Changes
The TWG Haematology board has undergone several updates to strengthen leadership and representation across Dutch hospitals:
Chair: Annemarie Overbeek, Spaarne Gasthuis
Board Members: Leonie Zijlemans (Bernhoven), Janneke Lanke (Slingeland), Nicolette Zwinkels (Haga Hospital), Doriene Dijkshoorn (Erasmus MC), Sanne Heesterman (Erasmus MC)
Point of contact for EBMT: Maaike de Ruijter (AmsterdamUMC)
These changes reflect a renewed commitment to multi-centre collaboration and expertise sharing.
Membership Growth
Membership continues to expand, with more than 100 nurses now actively participating. This increase highlights the growing recognition of the TWG as a key platform for specialised haematology nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
TWG Meetings
The TWG has developed a structured educational programme with two annual meetings: one in a hybrid format and one on-site. These meetings provide space for exchanging new initiatives within haematology care (for example, the establishment of a first-aid unit in the haematology department) and include educational sessions led by members of the Tumour Working Group or invited guest speakers, such as haematologists, psychologists or representatives from patient associations.
Past and upcoming meetings:
- October 2025 on-site: update vaccination guideline, update low grade lymphoma, how to use artificial intelligence in the haematology field.
- May 2026: Hybrid educational session including topics such as sexuality during and after treatment.
- Masterclasses 2026: Specialised sessions on post-ASH and post-EHA updates, Dutch Haematology Congress (DHC), older patient care (AML/MM) and—due to popular demand—lymphoma.
These initiatives ensure that members stay at the forefront of clinical knowledge and patient-centred care.
CART Working Group
The CART Working Group is part of the TWG and meets twice a year, combined with the TWG meetings. They discuss the latest developments in the care of CART patients. This ensures that members are updated on innovations and best practices in this rapidly evolving field.
Collaborative Platforms and Networking
To enhance communication and knowledge exchange, the TWG is developing an online platform to: Share information and updates; ask questions and seek guidance; discuss the latest developments in haematology care.
Additionally, "connection days" between the other TWG (oncology working parties) members facilitate collaboration and strengthen the professional network.
Dutch Haematology Congress (DHC)
An annual congress for nurses, specialised haematology nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants (one day) combined with a three-day congress for physicians/haematologists and researchers. This conference provides education on the latest treatment updates, in-depth exploration of haematological diagnosis, the opportunity to present your abstract and a joint session with physicians.
Last year’s topics included: state-of-the-art treatments in CLL, an update on the Hodgkin lymphoma guideline, new developments in ALL treatment, the new mantle cell lymphoma guideline and a joint session on artificial intelligence in the clinic.
Abstract topics included: personalised patient information for multiple myeloma treatment, barriers to advance care planning in haematology patients, presentation of quality-of-life research up to five years after allogeneic stem cell transplantation and 'Kletskracht', a discussion of challenging cases on the ward for recently graduated nurses.
Patient Engagement
Maintaining a strong link with patient associations is a key priority. On 19 May, representatives from ITP and MPN patient organisations joined the TWG to discuss patient perspectives, ongoing challenges and collaborative opportunities.
The Tumour Working Group Haematology continues to demonstrate its commitment to excellence, collaboration and education, driving forward both professional development and patient-centred care.
We look forward to continuing our collaboration within the EBMT. This organisation plays a key and valuable role in fostering collaboration among haematology nurses. Together we achieve greater impact.
For questions or collaborative projects, please email Maaike de Ruijter