Large-scale disaster drill at Campus Pellenberg: collaboration is key

Municipality of Lubbeek and UZ Leuven test communication and patient care during a simulated emergency at the campus.

Generic image of a large-scale disaster drill at Campus Pellenberg with emergency responders and hospital staff.
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Generic image of a large-scale disaster drill at Campus Pellenberg with emergency responders and hospital staff.

The municipality of Lubbeek and UZ Leuven organized a large-scale disaster drill at Campus Pellenberg to test the collaboration between the hospital, municipality, and emergency services.

Davy Suffeleers, mayor of Lubbeek, emphasized the importance of good procedures and human collaboration during emergencies. "Exercises like these are essential for quickly sharing information, making clear decisions, and acting as one unit," Suffeleers stated. He added that Campus Pellenberg is an integral part of the municipality and that perfect coordination between the hospital, municipality, and emergency services is crucial in emergency situations.
During the drill on Saturday morning, the municipality of Lubbeek and UZ Leuven examined the inter-departmental communication and the speed of decision-making within the crisis teams. A crucial aspect was the safe reception and rapid evacuation of patients, as well as ensuring daily care continued during the crisis.
The hospital deliberately chose a Saturday to minimize disruption for actual patients. On weekends, there are fewer consultations and many patients are at home. The campus remained easily accessible throughout the day for staff, visitors, and public transport from De Lijn, while regular care continued uninterrupted.
Based on information from the official source: UZ Leuven — Nieuws (26/09/2026)