Anticipated high temperatures reaching 38 degrees
Intense Heatwave Hits Germany: Hospitals and Nursing Homes Brace for Challenges
Germany is currently experiencing a heatwave, with the German Weather Service (DWD) warning about "intense heat stress" affecting the North German lowlands on Wednesday and the east on Thursday. The DWD predicts peak temperatures of around 37 degrees on Wednesday in most of Germany, and on Thursday, meteorologists predict highs of up to 38 degrees with plenty of sunshine. Isolated showers or heavy thunderstorms may occur overnight in certain regions.
The current heatwave is not yet at its peak, according to the DWD. However, this has raised concerns about the well-being of the most vulnerable members of society, particularly those in hospitals and nursing homes. The German Hospital Association (DKG) and the German Foundation for Patient Protection have expressed their concerns about the lack of preparedness of these institutions for heatwaves.
Henriette Neumeyer, vice-chair of the DKG, has stated that this puts both patients and employees under strain. The German Foundation for Patient Protection is dissatisfied with the lack of attention given to heat protection in hospitals and nursing homes. Eugen Brysch, board member of the German Foundation for Patient Protection, has warned that difficult days lie ahead for the over 300,000 hospital patients and 800,000 nursing home residents due to the expected high temperatures.
Many seniors, the sick, and workers without air-conditioned workplaces are significantly affected by health issues on hot days. The lack of air conditioning in hospitals is due to a decades-long investment backlog. Currently, most hospitals in Germany do not have air conditioning or effective cooling systems.
To address the lack of air conditioning in hospitals during heatwaves, current measures include raising awareness among medical professionals and the public about heat risks, encouraging protective behaviors, and calling for active care of vulnerable people such as the elderly or ill. However, there remains a significant shortfall in air conditioning installations in hospitals, care facilities, and schools, largely due to factors like high electricity prices and ongoing debates about energy efficiency and climate goals.
At the broader European level, including Germany, there is no ban on air conditioning, but regulations focus on improving energy efficiency and phasing out harmful refrigerants for environmental reasons, which can slow the deployment of new AC technologies. Policy debates weigh the ecological impact of widespread air conditioning against the need to protect health during heatwaves. Some suggest targeted cooling for vulnerable groups rather than widespread installation to mitigate urban heat islands and energy consumption spikes.
On Tuesday, temperatures were particularly high in several regions, including Müllheim (35.4 degrees), Rheinfelden (34.8 degrees), and Trier-Zewen (34.3 degrees). The coast and coastal regions of Germany are expected to be slightly cooler than the rest of the country.
In conclusion, Germany is currently relying more on behavioral advice, heat protection protocols, and limited deployment of cooling technologies in hospitals rather than widespread air conditioning upgrades. European climate and energy policies shape the technological and regulatory environment, aiming to balance health needs with environmental sustainability.
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