Spijkenisse is frequently described as the educational centre of the region, mainly because of the town's many secondary schools, which offer a wide range of courses. Nevertheless, it is particularly in the field of health care that Spijkenisse may be described as the regional capital.

This status was secured when the Ruwaard van Putten Hospital was opened in 1990. All the common medical specializations are represented in this hospital, and it is equipped with a special helicopter-landing pad. Apart from the hospital, there are various residential care homes for the elderly in Spijkenisse. Plans to build a rest home are in an advanced stadium. Other facilities in Spijkenisse include housing units for people with learning difficulties, whilst the Regional Health Service and RIAGG (Regional Institute for Mental Welfare) have their head offices based in Spijkenisse.