Anticipated temperatures may reach as high as 38 degrees
As Germany swelters under a heatwave, concerns are mounting about the preparedness of hospitals and nursing homes to cope with the soaring temperatures.
Temperatures Reach Record Highs
On Tuesday, temperatures hit a scorching 35.4 degrees in Müllheim, 34.8 degrees in Rheinfelden, and 34.3 degrees in Trier-Zewen, according to meteorological data. The DWD, Germany's national weather service, predicts peak temperatures of around 37 degrees on Wednesday, with more heat to come on Thursday, when temperatures could reach up to 38 degrees.
Heat Stress Looms
The DWD is discussing "strong heat stress" that will reach the North German lowlands on Wednesday and the east on Thursday. This heat stress, combined with the lack of adequate cooling systems in many healthcare institutions, has raised alarm bells.
Calls for Investment in Climate Resilience
The German Hospital Association is advocating for a multi-year investment program of 31 billion euros to make hospitals and nursing homes more climate resilient. The Association highlights that many facilities currently lack air conditioning, a significant challenge during heatwaves.
Existing Measures Fall Short
Germany has introduced a heat action plan to prevent excess mortality during heatwaves. However, this plan does not specifically detail measures for hospitals and nursing homes. Experts emphasise the importance of providing enough water and ensuring patient comfort during heatwaves, but these general recommendations may not be enough.
Challenges Ahead
The lack of air conditioning in hospitals and care facilities is a long-standing issue, stemming from a decades-long investment backlog. High electricity costs in Germany also contribute to the reluctance to install air conditioning, even in homes.
AI-Based Solutions on the Horizon
While not directly aimed at hospitals, researchers are using AI to map urban heat stress, which could inform future heat protection strategies in densely populated areas like those around hospitals.
Concerns over Patient Safety
The German Foundation for Patient Protection is unsatisfied with the lack of attention given to heat protection in clinics and nursing homes. Board member of the German Foundation for Patient Protection, Eugen Brysch, states that heat protection plans end where patient safety costs money. Brysch predicts difficult days ahead for the over 300,000 hospital patients and 800,000 nursing home residents due to the expected high temperatures.
In summary, while there are calls for better heat protection, the current measures are largely inadequate, and more comprehensive plans are needed to protect patients and employees in hospitals and nursing homes during heatwaves.
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