Stuttgart (dpa / lsw) – The minimum staffing levels at the children’s clinics in the southwest are suspended until further notice. The background to this is the tense situation as a result of the high number of respiratory infections, Health Minister Manne Lucha (Greens) announced on Wednesday in Stuttgart. “We consider this step appropriate to continue to ensure the care of the little patients.”
In the past few weeks, there has been a significant increase in severe respiratory diseases caused by RS viruses in children. The intensive care capacities at the children’s clinics are still sufficient, and 97 free beds are currently available. Nevertheless, the situation is tense, Lucha said. A further increase in cases is expected.
Hospital stays among children are currently mainly caused by infections with the RS virus (RSV). The RS virus – short for the respiratory syncytial virus – is a respiratory disease that adults with previous illnesses can also become seriously ill. However, it is particularly dangerous for premature babies, infants and small children. They could get severe pneumonia.
Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach (SPD) announced a few days ago that compliance with the minimum staffing limit ordinance in children’s hospitals would not have to be checked for the time being due to the tense situation. Normally, February 1, 2021, the following limits apply: day shift six patients per nurse; Night shift ten patients per nurse.
