Tense economic situation for many care services
The economic situation of outpatient care services in Germany is worsening, according to a survey by Diakonie Deutschland. According to the survey, 72.7% of the outpatient care services surveyed by Diakonie considered their economic situation to be tense. 54 percent would have already closed with an annual deficit in 2022. According to Diakonie Germany, 62 percent expected a result in the negative range for 2023. Most recently, Diakonie in Passau had to file for insolvency due to financial problems.
The survey revealed that around a third of outpatient care services only have a liquidity reserve of three months or less. Almost one in ten services consider their existence to be in such danger that they may have to close in the next two years. This is due to a shortage of skilled staff, late payments and a significant increase in costs in relation to the remuneration paid.
The online survey by Diakonie took place in the summer of 2023. According to the information provided, 526 providers of outpatient care services/diaconia wards took part in the survey, some of which operate several outpatient care services. This corresponds to 45% participation in the survey.
In light of this tense economic situation, there's a pressing need for conversations about social affairs related to nursing professions in outpatient care services. The financial struggles of these services, as indicated by the Diakonie survey, could potentially impact the nursing workforce.
Source: www.dpa.com
