Pediatricians remove their shields but remain in German
A sign in a pediatric clinic in Southern Germany has caused quite a stir. Now it's gone. But the doctors insist that the requested German language requirement for patients remains. While the media attention was not desired, it has spread the message, they say.
After the stir caused by a sign demanding German language proficiency, a pediatric clinic in Kirchheim unter Teck has removed the notice from the reception. However, the doctors stand by their rule of treating only patients with sufficient German language skills or with an interpreter present.
"We have replaced the sign because we believe that the message, especially given the extensive media coverage, has reached all our patients who need to know about it," said pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist Ulrich Kuhn.
For about two months, the large pediatric clinic near Stuttgart had displayed a sign announcing a new internal policy: "We only speak German in this practice! If communication is not possible due to lack of German language skills and no interpreter is personally present, we will have to refuse treatment in the future, except in emergency cases." The rule sparked discussions online and accusations of racism. The doctors strongly denied these accusations.
Every second patient has a migration background
The doctors argued that they wanted to treat patients safely, sensibly, and efficiently. They said that more and more parents were coming with children who understood hardly any or no German at all, making treatment and diagnosis impossible. According to Kuhn, around 3,500 children and adolescents are treated in the practice per quarter. He has been practicing with his colleague on-site for about 23 years, and by now, about half of the patients have a migration background.
"Of course, those affected can still come with an interpreter," Kuhn explained. His conclusion was: "This sign was not meant for the public, but for our patients. Therefore, this media attention does not influence our organizational measures in any direction."
Currently, a different sign with practice rules is displayed at the reception. "We'll just keep switching them. Eventually, the old sign will come back too."
The controversial sign from the pediatric clinic in Southern Germany, which sparked discussions about language proficiency, was actually aimed at their patients. Despite removing the original sign, the clinic near Stuttgart continues to adhere to their rule, requiring adequate German language skills or an interpreter for treatment, due to increasing numbers of patients with migration backgrounds.
Many patients visiting Lake Constance, a popular tourist destination, might find it helpful to brush up on their German before their visit, given the unique situation at this nearby pediatric clinic.
