Clinics increase training capacities
Due to the shortage of specialists in the medical field, hospitals in Saxony-Anhalt are increasingly focusing on training. "The staff shortage is most pronounced in nursing," said a spokesperson for Dessau Municipal Hospital. As a result, the hospital is currently unable to operate two wards. "To counteract this, we have doubled the number of training places in our nursing school to 240 within three years."
Other providers are taking a similar approach. "Training is very important to us," said Johanniter, which has its own nursing school in Stendal, when asked. The capacity has been increased from a total of 100 to 150 places. The Helios clinics also said that they had increased the number of nursing positions. An average of 82 nursing staff and around 25 nursing assistants are being trained at the training centers in Burg and Sangerhausen.
In the south of Saxony-Anhalt, Halle University Hospital plays a key role. Medical Director Thomas Moesta told dpa that the shortage of specialist staff is noticeable. The hospital is therefore developing junior staff for partners in the region beyond its own needs. Every year, around 650 young people are trained in nursing, therapy and assistant professions at the training center for healthcare professions.
Figures from Magdeburg University Hospital, for example, show just how serious the shortage of skilled workers is. Due to the staffing situation, only 945 of the 1,200 beds and 24 of the original 30 operating theaters can currently be operated there. "Leasing staff are being used in the medical and nursing areas in particular, as demand is especially high here," said a spokesperson.
When asked, several clinics also stated that they expect a negative annual result this year. At Magdeburg University Hospital, this was just under 46 million euros in 2022. "We are again expecting a deficit for 2023," said a spokesperson.
The situation is similar in Halle. The deficit there was 14 million euros in 2022. "Due to inflation, higher energy prices and the additional increases in personnel costs as a result of the collective wage agreements, we also have to expect a deficit for 2023," said Moesta. The municipal hospital in Dessau is also expecting a negative result in the millions.
In light of the extensive need for healthcare professionals, Saxony-Anhalt hospitals are expanding their nursing school capacities. Previously offering 100 places, Johanniter's nursing school in Stendal has boosted its capacity to 150 spots.
Healthcare institutions across Saxony-Anhalt acknowledge the significance of nursing professions and are acting accordingly to address the staff shortage, including the Helios clinics with their 25 nursing assistants in training.
Source: www.dpa.com
