Influenza Outbreak Challenges Thuringian Hospitals: Managing Patient Surge and Staff Shortages
Thuringia’s hospitals are facing significant challenges this year due to a severe influenza outbreak. They are not only treating an increasing number of influenza patients with more severe symptoms but also experiencing numerous staff shortages caused by the flu, as seen in hospitals in Altenburg, Weimar, and Saalfeld. However, the hospitals have reported that they are currently able to manage the situation.
Since mid-January, the number of reported influenza cases to the health authorities in Thuringia has risen sharply, with weekly peak figures far exceeding those of the 2023/24 season. Hundreds of people have been hospitalized with influenza-related illnesses since last fall.
This year, children and schoolchildren are particularly affected by the virus. "We are also noticing it among the staff," said Christoph Lascho, Medical Director at the Sophien- und Hufeland-Klinikum in Weimar. "When entire school classes are out sick, the staff also gets infected and is unable to work." However, patient care has not yet been affected, and no surgeries have been canceled. "For the moment, we are fully operational."
According to a spokesperson, the Thuringia-Kliniken have a personnel pool and a cross-ward deployment plan. This ensures that patient care is guaranteed despite high levels of staff absence. The Klinikum Altenburg is also reportedly managing to cope with staff shortages.
Due to the current high risk of infection, hospitals are advising visitors of patients to follow hygiene measures. Some hospitals may also require visitors to wear masks when entering certain wards, as stated by the Thuringia-Kliniken. The Altenburg hospital is urging visitors to exercise caution and to limit visits when possible, especially for elderly and vulnerable individuals. Those who are sick themselves should avoid visiting altogether.
In addition to the challenges posed by the flu outbreak, Thuringia’s hospitals are also facing ongoing financial pressures. The spiraling costs of energy, materials, and personnel are putting a strain on hospital budgets, making it difficult to provide the necessary level of care to patients.
The Thüringer Krankenhausgesellschaft (Thuringian Hospital Association) has called for additional financial support from the government to help hospitals cope with these challenges. The association’s chairman, Michael Steiner, emphasized the need for sustainable financing and increased investment in hospital infrastructure and personnel.
To address the staff shortages, the Thuringia-Kliniken are implementing measures such as flexible working hours, additional training, and the recruitment of new staff. The Altenburg hospital is also working closely with nursing schools and other educational institutions to train and attract future nurses.
Despite the challenges, Thuringia’s hospitals remain committed to providing the best possible care to their patients. They are urging the public to take preventive measures such as vaccination and hygiene to help mitigate the spread of influenza and reduce the strain on the healthcare system.
