Investment in heat protection is essential for hospitals, nursing facilities, and patient safety.
In a concerted effort to safeguard patients and healthcare staff from the growing threat of extreme heat events, hospitals, patient advocates, and care associations in Germany are pushing for systematic, binding commitments and increased funding. The focus is on implementing Heat Health Action Plans (HHAPs) and climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure.
The development and implementation of HHAPs, as demonstrated in the German pilot city Worms, are fundamental to heat protection strategies. These plans are developed in collaboration with universities, hospital institutions, and climate organizations, offering a blueprint for hospitals to adapt to local heat risks with stakeholder participation [1].
Germany's initiatives also emphasise the need for investment programs to upgrade healthcare infrastructure, such as climate control systems, train healthcare personnel, and improve patient safety during heat events [1]. While specific funding programs exclusively for hospitals have not been directly mentioned, the Ready4Heat project underscores the integration of municipal and regional initiatives that likely include financing mechanisms for heat adaptation measures [1].
Advocates are calling for legally binding measures to ensure consistent implementation of heat protection across healthcare facilities. This includes systemic evaluation and monitoring to ensure these measures are effective and sustained over time, as well as formal commitments by healthcare institutions to adopt climate-resilient practices [3].
Patient advocates and care associations are urging enhanced adaptation measures, training for healthcare workers, and investment in cooling technologies to protect vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and chronically ill patients, during heat waves [3].
Research and knowledge sharing are also integral to these efforts. Workshops and scientific sessions, such as those conducted within European public health conferences, are addressing the evaluation of heat health protection and promoting innovation in healthcare architecture to resist heat stress [3].
Christine Vogler, Chair of the German Nursing Council, sees heat protection as a societal task and advocates for the competencies of care to be bindingly anchored in heat protection plans [2]. Vogler also urges more influence and decision-making autonomy for professional caregivers based on their expertise and daily presence.
The German Hospital Society (DKG) demands a multi-year investment program of 31 billion euros for the climate-compatible renovation of hospitals [2]. However, according to Eugen Brysch, Chair of the German Foundation for Patient Protection, there is nothing in the budgets of the next year for heat protection measures [2].
Vogler believes that climate protection is health protection and has warned that if current practices continue, there will be a health catastrophe parallel to the climate catastrophe [2]. The German Foundation for Patient Protection has criticized the Bundeslander and Bund for not taking heat protection seriously [2]. Vice-Chair of the German Hospital Society (DKG), Henriette Neumeyer, stated that most hospitals lack air conditioning or effective cooling systems due to inadequate financing [2].
These initiatives reflect a systemic and evidence-based approach to protect patients and staff in hospitals from the growing threat of extreme heat events [1][3]. As the climate changes, it is crucial for healthcare systems to adapt and ensure the safety and wellbeing of those they serve.
- To address the threat of climate change on healthcare, there is a push for the implementation of Heat Health Action Plans (HHAPs), which are developed in collaboration with universities, hospital institutions, and climate organizations, focusing on local heat risks and stakeholder participation.
- Enhanced adaptation measures, such as investment in cooling technologies, are being urged to protect vulnerable populations like the elderly and chronically ill patients during heatwaves.
- Research and knowledge sharing are integral to these efforts, with workshops and scientific sessions addressing the evaluation of heat health protection and promoting innovation in climate-resilient healthcare architecture.
- To ensure long-term effectiveness, advocates are calling for legally binding measures to ensure consistent implementation of heat protection across healthcare facilities, accompanied by systemic evaluation, monitoring, and formal commitments by institutions to adopt climate-resilient practices.
