Study: Majority of German hospitals lack air conditioning for patients

Air conditioning in patients' rooms is still far from being the norm in German hospitals, a leading medical association said on Friday.

"Most intensive care units in Germany are now air-conditioned, but that's about as far as it goes. Only a third of hospitals have air-conditioned patient rooms," Susanne Johna, chair of the Marburg Association told public broadcaster ZDF.

The association is Germany’s only doctors’ trade union and the largest representative body for salaried and civil-service doctors, as well as medical students.

Clear guidelines exist only for operating theatres or radiology departments because the equipment simply cannot withstand the heat.

According to Johna, the problem is partly addressed with makeshift solutions: "We often ask relatives to bring things like ice packs from home, which provide temporary relief."

Design over practicality? 

Johna is calling on politicians, architects and hospital chains to take greater account of the increasing heatwaves caused by climate change when planning buildings. 

"Of course, we essentially need indoor air conditioning systems, and in areas where patients are present, at the very least some external shading for the windows," the doctor continued. "Even with new buildings, we're seeing that sometimes appearances seem to matter more than common sense."

For patients, the heat is very stressful and also poses a risk. For example, wounds heal less effectively at high temperatures.

 "We simply have to be realistic and acknowledge that people die more frequently during such heatwaves. Statistically, this is clearly the case, and that includes in hospitals," said Johna.