dienstverleningsuren

Dienstverleningsuren are the hours during which a service is available or provided to clients, visitors, or patients. The term focuses on when assistance can be obtained and when staff are present, rather than simply the opening hours of a building. In the Netherlands, dienstverleningsuren are published by a range of providers, including healthcare organizations, social services, and municipalities, and are often listed in service catalogs, on websites, or in contracts to inform users about availability.

In care and social services, dienstverleningsuren help distinguish between regular hours and extended or out-of-hours coverage. For example, a general practice may advertise its regular dienstverleningsuren (office hours) and separate periods for after-hours urgent care or telephone triage. Some services, such as ambulance and emergency care, operate with continuous dienstverleningsuren (24/7). Public service desks and helpdesks typically publish specific hours for counter service as well as for digital or phone support.

The concept has practical implications for planning, accessibility, and budgeting. Clients use dienstverleningsuren to plan visits or contact times, while providers use them to schedule staff and manage capacity. In contracts or service level agreements, dienstverleningsuren define expected availability, response times, and quality of service, ensuring clarity for both providers and clients.