Anticipated temperatures could potentially reach a high of 38 degrees

Anticipated temperatures could potentially reach a high of 38 degrees

In the midst of a prolonged heatwave, Germany's healthcare sector is grappling with the challenges posed by soaring temperatures. Many hospitals and nursing homes, it seems, are ill-prepared for the heat.

According to experts, these institutions are not well-equipped to handle heat stress, a situation exacerbated by the lack of air conditioning or effective cooling systems in most clinics[1]. The German Hospital Association (DKG) has responded by calling for a multi-year investment program of 31 billion euros to renovate hospitals and nursing homes in a climate-friendly manner[1].

The current weather in Germany has seen temperatures consistently above 30 degrees Celsius. On Tuesday, Müllheim recorded a high of 35.4 degrees Celsius, while Rheinfelden and Trier-Zewen saw temperatures of 34.8 degrees Celsius and 34.3 degrees Celsius respectively[2]. The German Weather Service (DWD) warns that "strong heat stress" will reach the North German lowlands on Wednesday and the east on Thursday, with temperatures potentially reaching up to 38 degrees Celsius[3].

The DWD has not yet reached the peak of the heatwave. This impending peak has prompted the German Foundation for Patient Protection to issue a warning. The foundation criticises the lack of seriousness in heat protection in hospitals and nursing homes, particularly as it pertains to patient safety[4]. They fear difficult days ahead for the over 300,000 hospital patients and 800,000 nursing home residents due to the expected high temperatures[4].

Many people, including seniors, the sick, and employees without air-conditioned workplaces, are significantly affected by health on hot days[5]. Along the coast and in coastal areas, temperatures are expected to be slightly cooler.

To address these challenges, various measures and initiatives are being implemented or proposed. The German Hospital Association's proposed investment program aims to retrofit medical and nursing facilities with appropriate cooling systems and other climate resilience measures[1].

Germany introduced a heat action plan in 2023 to prevent excess mortality linked to high temperatures. This includes assessing climate risks and implementing measures to mitigate negative impacts[1]. Researchers are also using AI to map urban heat stress, which could help urban planners develop tailored heat protection solutions[2]. Projects like the Ready4Heat initiative provide frameworks for developing municipal heat strategies and action plans, which can guide cities in creating more effective heat mitigation measures[3].

Looking ahead, securing funding for heat protection measures is crucial for upgrading healthcare facilities to manage heat stress effectively. Incorporating advanced technologies, such as AI, to monitor and manage heat stress can be beneficial for healthcare settings. Implementing comprehensive heat action plans that address both urban and healthcare-specific needs will be essential for reducing the impact of heatwaves on vulnerable populations.

As the heatwave continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and comfort of patients and staff in Germany's healthcare institutions.

[1] German Hospital Association (DKG) [2] AI-Based Heat Stress Mapping [3] Ready4Heat initiative [4] German Foundation for Patient Protection [5] Many people, including seniors, the sick, and employees without air-conditioned workplaces, are significantly affected by health on hot days. (Source: DWD)

1. The German Hospital Association has proposed a multi-year investment program of 31 billion euros to renovate hospitals and nursing homes in a climate-friendly manner, which includes retrofitting medical and nursing facilities with appropriate cooling systems and other climate resilience measures.
2. The German Foundation for Patient Protection has criticized the lack of seriousness in heat protection in hospitals and nursing homes, particularly as it pertains to patient safety, and fears difficult days ahead for the over 300,000 hospital patients and 800,000 nursing home residents due to the expected high temperatures.
3. Researchers are using AI to map urban heat stress, which could help urban planners develop tailored heat protection solutions, and implementing comprehensive heat action plans that address both urban and healthcare-specific needs will be essential for reducing the impact of heatwaves on vulnerable populations, such as seniors, the sick, and employees without air-conditioned workplaces.

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