Germany’s healthcare sector is urgently calling for increased investment in protective measures against rising temperatures, with hospitals, care associations and patient advocacy groups voicing concerns over inadequate funding and preparedness.
Henriette Neumeyer, Vice-Director of the German Hospital Federation (DKG), stated that a significant number of hospitals currently lack effective cooling systems like air conditioning, placing both patients and staff at risk. The DKG is advocating for a multi-year investment program of 31 billion euros to adapt hospital infrastructure for a changing climate.
Eugen Brysch, a leading patient advocate, criticized a disconnect between established heat protection plans and actual financial commitment. He noted a lack of corresponding investment in upcoming budget proposals, suggesting that the safety of patients is not being adequately prioritized. Brysch called on the Federal Minister of Health and the Federal Minister for Climate Protection to make concrete investment commitments for upgrading medical and care facilities this year, a demand echoed for regional governments.
Christine Vogler, President of the German Council of Nurses, emphasized that heat protection is a societal responsibility with direct implications for public health. She warned that inaction will lead to a full-scale climate and health crisis. Vogler stressed the need to incorporate the expertise and needs of nursing professionals directly into heat protection strategies, advocating for strengthened competencies and autonomy for nurses in the planning and implementation of these plans.
