Heatwaves Pose Health Risks to Hospitals and Patients

Professor Henriette Neumeyer, Vice Chair of the German Hospital Association (DKG), emphasizes the significant health risks that heat poses within hospital environments. Patients in vulnerable groups, such as children, pregnant individuals, and the elderly, as well as those with chronic illnesses, are particularly affected by heatwaves. Temperatures as low as 32 degrees Celsius with insufficient nighttime cooling can lead to increased mortality and exacerbate existing conditions like heart or lung diseases.

Neumeyer points out that heat-related deaths are often overlooked, as the official cause of death is attributed to an underlying illness that was worsened by the heat. For instance, heart failure can significantly worsen when the circulatory system is strained by heat, even if the heat is not directly linked to the fatality.

Hospitals face a dual burden: an increased patient load and staff working under challenging conditions. Some hospitals have appointed heat protection officers and are attempting to create cooling zones, implementing simple protective measures like window films and early ventilation. Patients and staff are encouraged to stay hydrated.

However, Neumeyer states that these measures are insufficient. She stresses the need for substantial investments in building insulation, shading, and increased greenery around hospital sites. The design of new buildings should also consider window orientation and size. Building heat-resilient hospitals should be viewed as an investment, not just a cost, for example, by utilizing solar panels for cooling systems and improving long-term economic sustainability.