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Havena
www.havena.nlHavena is a digital platform that connects patients directly with qualified healthcare providers across the Netherlands. We aim to make specialized care more accessible by improving transparency, reducing wait times, and empowering patients to choose how, when, and by whom they are treated.
Addressing the problem
From the start founder and ceo Leonard Witkamp saw that patients often face unnecessary barriers when trying to access specialized care. Long wait times, unclear referral processes and a lack of transparency about treatment options are still the norm. People don’t know who they can see, what their options are, or how long it will take and that uncertainty leads to frustration, delays and possible worse outcomes. At the same time many care providers operate below capacity because they lack digital reach or efficient ways to connect with patients.
Our solution
With Havena we wanted to flip that logic. Instead of the system deciding for the patient the patient takes the lead. Choosing how, where, and by whom they are treated. Our platform simplifies the journey: we make options visible, information understandable and contact direct. We don’t give medical advice or replace the healthcare system, we make it more navigable.
My role in this project
When starting to building Havena I wasn’t entering familiar territory. Healthcare is complex and heavily regulated and not easy to navigate especially without a medical background. But I did have two things, a clear sense of the problem we wanted to solve and a father who has spent over 25 years trying to modernize this sector.
My role is centered around positioning, communication strategy and helping to shape the patient journey from a user-first perspective. I’ve been involved in translating system-level problems into clear platform logic and in aligning our brand narrative with the needs of both patients and providers.
Havena reflects the kind of innovation I care about. Working to that mission so early in my life is a challenge but also a opportunity.