Heat protection: Patient advocates call for more investment

According to patient advocates, hospitals and nursing homes in Germany must be better prepared for increasing heat waves. »Sufficient "Drinks , morning airing, and adjusted menus aren't enough to get nursing home residents and hospital patients through tropical days," Eugen Brysch, chairman of the German Patient Protection Foundation, told the German Press Agency. "Financial resources must finally be invested to protect this vulnerable group."

The federal government is required to present a binding investment plan for the 1,600 hospitals and 12,000 nursing homes. Finally, the planned debt-financed special fund for infrastructure also envisages making Germany climate-proof. Existing buildings must be adapted to climate conditions by 2027 at the latest. "In new buildings, it must be ensured that the room temperature does not exceed 25 degrees Celsius."

Brysch warned that the mental and physical health risks posed by heat for patients in need of care, the elderly, and those with dementia are well known. However, in many facilities, most rooms don't even have blinds or shades. Recommendations to provide external shade are thus ineffective.