Covid-19 Strains German Hospitals: Severe Nurse Shortage Threatens Care
The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic is straining German hospitals, with a severe shortage of nursing staff posing a significant challenge. The Deutsche InterdisziplinΓ€re Vereinigung fΓΌr Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin (DIVI) has raised concerns about the crisis in intensive care units (ICUs), where one nurse is needed per severely ill Covid patient. However, not all Covid patients require ICU care, presenting additional challenges on normal wards.
The shortage of nurses is a central issue in caring for Covid-19 patients. Approximately 3,500 to 4,000 specialized nurses are needed nationwide for intensive care. This shortage may lead to many additional beds created in clinics during the pandemic remaining unoccupied. Hospitals may need to redeploy staff, prioritize urgent cases, and brace for waiting times and patient transfers.
Claudia Schmidtke, a patient representative, urges patients with other illnesses not to avoid hospitals due to corona fears. She assures them that hospitals are taking necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The staff shortage is expected to become massively apparent in the coming weeks, highlighting the pressing need for solutions to this critical issue.
The nursing staff shortage in German hospitals is exacerbating the challenge of caring for Covid-19 patients. With around 3,500 to 4,000 specialized nurses needed nationwide for intensive care, hospitals may struggle to occupy additional beds and manage waiting times. Patient representatives urge those with other illnesses not to avoid hospitals, emphasizing the importance of addressing the staff shortage promptly.
