Primorsko-goranska County faces critical nursing and technician shortage

The Primorsko-goranska County Health Center is facing a critical shortage of 29 nurses and technicians, particularly in family medicine and home care services. This staffing crisis, which mirrors a broader trend across Croatia, is severely impacting the availability of care for patients, including persons with disabilities and the elderly.

In the home care sector, eight nurses have resigned since the beginning of the year, leaving only three staff members to manage blood draws and wound care for a growing number of users. Similarly, at the Kantrida Home for the Elderly, only seven field workers remain to care for 80 users. Reports indicate that caregivers earn approximately 1,100 euros per month, with some gerontological assistants earning even less.

To address the shortage, Primorsko-goranska County is implementing three measures: a nursing bonus of 250 euros net per month for approximately 350 health workers during the final three months of the year, continued funding for specializations, and scholarships for students pursuing medical training.