Healthcare facilities, nursing associations and patient advocacy groups are jointly calling for increased investment in heat protection measures within the German healthcare sector.
Henriette Neumeyer, Vice-CEO of the German Hospital Federation (DKG), highlighted the inadequacy of current funding, noting that most hospitals lack air conditioning or effective cooling systems. This poses a significant strain on both patients and staff. The DKG is specifically requesting a multi-year investment program totaling 31 billion euros to facilitate climate-resilient renovations of hospital infrastructure.
Eugen Brysch, a leading patient advocate, underscored existing financial gaps, stating that adopted and planned heat protection strategies often falter when patient safety requires substantial funding. He points to a lack of corresponding investment allocations in upcoming budgetary proposals, criticizing what he perceives as a lack of serious consideration for heat protection by both federal and state governments.
Brysch is calling for binding investment commitments from both the Federal Minister of Health and the Federal Minister for Climate Protection this year to retrofit healthcare and nursing facilities. He emphasizes the need for similar pledges from state-level governments.
Christine Vogler, President of the German Council of Nurses, frames heat protection as a broader societal responsibility. She warns that inaction will result in the full impact of the climate crisis coinciding with a parallel healthcare crisis and asserts that climate protection “is” health protection. Vogler advocates for greater involvement and autonomy for nursing professionals in the implementation of heat protection plans, leveraging their expertise and daily presence within care settings. She urges that the competencies of nursing staff be formally integrated into these plans.