Hesse Calls for Comprehensive Heat Protection in Hospitals and Care Homes

The Landesarbeitsgemeinschaft (LAG) Gesundheit, Pflege und Soziales of the FREIE WÄHLER Hessen is urging the state to implement extensive heat‑protection measures in nursing homes, hospitals and other health facilities. The group cites increasingly extreme summer temperatures that strain patients, the elderly, chronically ill individuals and medical staff. Christin Jost, chair of the LAG, said, "It is not about spreading fear or panic. The fact is that prolonged high temperatures pose a serious burden for people – especially the elderly, the sick and care‑dependent, as well as workers. Germany has delayed action for too long. Now it is time to prepare our health‑care institutions for the consequences of rising heat."

The proposal includes binding heat‑protection plans for all facilities, structural and technical steps such as shading, roof‑greening, air‑conditioned patient and staff areas where needed, mandatory drinking‑water concepts, regular staff training on heat‑related emergencies, and the integration of photovoltaic systems with battery storage to offset cooling energy costs. The group also calls for a statewide investment fund, targeted subsidies, and streamlined permitting for heat‑protection installations. These measures aim to safeguard health, ensure worker safety, reduce long‑term operating costs and enhance resilience against climate change.